Poor Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Lead Acetate

INCI: LEAD ACETATE

CAS Number
301-04-2
Function
Historically used as hair darkening agent in progressive hair colorants via gradual lead deposition on hair shaft; now prohibited in most jurisdictions
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes FDA banned lead acetate in hair dye products effective October 2019. Previously permitted at ≤0.6% for rinse-off hair dyes only. No longer permitted in any cosmetic formulation in the US. California Prop 65 listed substance.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
cancer;health haz; enviro;aqua
Hazard Statements
Suspected of causing cancer May damage fertility or the unborn child May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the blood and central nervous system. This may result in haemolytic anaemia, nervous disorders and kidney impairment. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the blood, bone marrow, cardiovascular system, kidneys and nervous system. This may result in anaemia, increase of blood pressure, paralysis, kidney impairment and behavioural effects. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Causes serious reproductive toxicity in humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Banned in EU under Annex II and in the US (FDA 2019). No permissible use in any cosmetic formulation. Do not use.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

eu-prohibited us-banned-2019 lead-compound do-not-use hair-dye-banned prop-65-listed systemic-toxin endocrine_disruptor prop65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lead Acetate safe in cosmetics?

Banned in EU under Annex II and in the US (FDA 2019). No permissible use in any cosmetic formulation. Do not use. The EU classifies Lead Acetate as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR.

Is Lead Acetate allowed in the EU?

Lead Acetate EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Lead Acetate do in cosmetics?

Lead Acetate functions as: Historically used as hair darkening agent in progressive hair colorants via gradual lead deposition on hair shaft; now prohibited in most jurisdictions. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 301-04-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Lead Acetate?

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.

Is Lead Acetate classified as hazardous under GHS?

Lead Acetate carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Suspected of causing cancer May damage fertility or the unborn child May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Lead Acetate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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