Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Mercuric Oxide

INCI: MERCURIC OXIDE

CAS Number
21908-53-2
Function
Historically used as an antimicrobial/preservative and in skin-lightening formulations. No legitimate current cosmetic function.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status prohibited
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status prohibited
US Notes PROHIBITED - 21 CFR 700.13 bans mercury compounds in cosmetics. An extremely narrow exception exists for mercury-based preservatives in eye-area cosmetics at <65 ppm mercury (calculated as metal), and only where no effective and safe alternative preservative is available - but this exception does not apply to mercuric oxide as a functional ingredient.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

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
skull;toxic; cancer;health haz; enviro;aqua
Hazard Statements
Fatal if swallowed Toxic in contact with skin May cause damage to kidneys May cause damage to nervous system and kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. Medical observation is indicated.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the kidneys, central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in ataxia, sensory and memory disturbances, tremors, muscle weakness and kidney impairment.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Highly toxic - systemic absorption causes nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and bioaccumulation; classified as toxic to reproduction; environmental persistent pollutant; a frequent contaminant found in illegally marketed skin-lightening products.. Red or yellow inorganic mercury(II) compound (HgO); historical use predates modern toxicology; its presence in any cosmetic product is an automatic regulatory violation in both the EU and US.

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

preservative

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mercuric Oxide safe in cosmetics?

Highly toxic - systemic absorption causes nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and bioaccumulation; classified as toxic to reproduction; environmental persistent pollutant; a frequent contaminant found in illegally marketed skin-lightening products.. Red or yellow inorganic mercury(II) compound (HgO); historical use predates modern toxicology; its presence in any cosmetic product is an automatic regulatory violation in both the EU and US. The EU classifies Mercuric Oxide as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Mercuric Oxide allowed in the EU?

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

What does Mercuric Oxide do in cosmetics?

Mercuric Oxide functions as: Historically used as an antimicrobial/preservative and in skin-lightening formulations. No legitimate current cosmetic function.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 21908-53-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Mercuric Oxide?

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 Mercuric Oxide classified as hazardous under GHS?

Mercuric Oxide carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Fatal if swallowed Toxic in contact with skin May cause damage to kidneys May cause damage to nervous system and kidneys 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 โ€” at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

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