Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Hydrogen Peroxide. 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 | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 150 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 2500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 450 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Reproductive | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 450 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 60 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 60 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Reproductive | COSMOS_DB |
Expert Verdict
Hydrogen peroxide is the primary oxidizing developer in permanent oxidative hair dyes and bleaches, used at 6% (20 vol), 9% (30 vol), or 12% (40 vol) depending on desired lift. It oxidizes melanin granules, lightens native pigment, and activates the precursor-coupler coupling reaction. At higher volumes, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in keratinocytes become significant, particularly in synergistic combination with monoethanolamine (MEA). EU Annex III restricts hair product use to ≤12%, with concentrations above 6% requiring professional-only labeling. CIR (2018/2024) considers it safe in cosmetics at present practices. Bond damage from H₂O₂ (disulfide bond oxidation to cysteic acid) is the primary structural mechanism of bleach-related hair damage.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydrogen Peroxide safe in cosmetics?
Hydrogen peroxide is the primary oxidizing developer in permanent oxidative hair dyes and bleaches, used at 6% (20 vol), 9% (30 vol), or 12% (40 vol) depending on desired lift. It oxidizes melanin granules, lightens native pigment, and activates the precursor-coupler coupling reaction. At higher volumes, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in keratinocytes become significant, particularly in synergistic combination with monoethanolamine (MEA). EU Annex III restricts hair product use to ≤12%, with concentrations above 6% requiring professional-only labeling. CIR (2018/2024) considers it safe in cosmetics at present practices. Bond damage from H₂O₂ (disulfide bond oxidation to cysteic acid) is the primary structural mechanism of bleach-related hair damage. The EU classifies Hydrogen Peroxide as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide allowed in the EU?
Hydrogen Peroxide EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Hydrogen Peroxide do in cosmetics?
Hydrogen Peroxide functions as: oxidizing agent; hair bleach; melanin oxidizer; hair dye developer; antimicrobial; oral care agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7722-84-1.
What is the Margin of Safety for Hydrogen Peroxide?
not established 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 Hydrogen Peroxide?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Hydrogen Peroxide is 1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a Chronic study via oral route in mouse. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Compliance Tools
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