Excellent Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate)

INCI: CI 77120

CAS Number
7727-43-7
Function
Colorant; Opacifying Agent. Inorganic insoluble salt of barium and sulfate (BaSO4). Functions as a white opacifier and extender in cosmetic formulations, imparting opacity and a smooth texture. Used in face powders, foundations, blushes, and eye shadows. CIR Expert Panel completed a final safety assessment concluding Barium Sulfate is safe as used in cosmetics when meeting purity requirements. Distinct from soluble barium salts, which are toxic; the insolubility of BaSO4 is the primary basis for its safety.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Listed as a color additive exempt from certification under 21 CFR 73.2120 (Subpart C, Cosmetics). Barium Sulfate may be safely used in coloring cosmetics generally, including those intended for use in the area of the eye, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate). NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 2000 ppm oral - oral REACH
NOAEL 2000 ppm oral rat oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dust particles may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in baritosis (a form of benign pneumoconiosis).
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir
Verdict: safe

lfate should be formulated to be non- irritating. The Panel concluded that barium sulfate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating. Keywords barium sulfate, safety, cosmetics Introduction The saf

Expert Verdict

Safe inorganic insoluble colorant and opacifier with strong regulatory support in both EU and US. Insolubility is the key safety attribute that distinguishes it from hazardous soluble barium compounds. CIR concluded safe as used. Permitted broadly across cosmetic product types without concentration limits. Excellent safety and regulatory profile.

⚠️
Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

inorganic-colorant mineral-pigment eu-annex-iv eu-unrestricted fda-exempt-certification eye-area-permitted opacifier insoluble-salt cir-reviewed eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) safe in cosmetics?

Safe inorganic insoluble colorant and opacifier with strong regulatory support in both EU and US. Insolubility is the key safety attribute that distinguishes it from hazardous soluble barium compounds. CIR concluded safe as used. Permitted broadly across cosmetic product types without concentration limits. Excellent safety and regulatory profile. The EU classifies CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) allowed in the EU?

CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) do in cosmetics?

CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) functions as: Colorant; Opacifying Agent. Inorganic insoluble salt of barium and sulfate (BaSO4). Functions as a white opacifier and extender in cosmetic formulations, imparting opacity and a smooth texture. Used in face powders, foundations, blushes, and eye shadows. CIR Expert Panel completed a final safety assessment concluding Barium Sulfate is safe as used in cosmetics when meeting purity requirements. Distinct from soluble barium salts, which are toxic; the insolubility of BaSO4 is the primary basis for its safety.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7727-43-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate)?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) is 2000 ppm based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Compliance Tools

Check CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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