Good Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Mercury Compounds

INCI: MERCURY COMPOUNDS

CAS Number
7439-97-6
Function
Mercury compounds historically served two roles in cosmetic formulations
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 0.007%
🇺🇸 US Status restricted
US Notes No specific restrictions

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

Safety Data

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

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
corr; skull;toxic; cancer;health haz; enviro;aqua
Hazard Statements
May be osive to metals Fatal if inhaled May damage fertility or the unborn child Causes damage to central nervous system and kidneys Causes damage to the central nervous system and the kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the skin. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapour may cause pneumonitis. This may result in death. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in tremors and tissue lesions. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in irritability, emotional instability, tremors, mental and memory disturbances and speech disorders. May cause inflammation and discoloration of gums. Cumulative effects are possible. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and through the skin also as a vapour.

Expert Verdict

Mercury compounds are restricted in cosmetics with maximum concentration limits due to known sensitization potential and absorption concerns.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

Allergen eu_banned_cosmetics eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mercury Compounds safe in cosmetics?

Mercury compounds are restricted in cosmetics with maximum concentration limits due to known sensitization potential and absorption concerns. The EU classifies Mercury Compounds as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Mercury Compounds allowed in the EU?

Mercury Compounds EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.007%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Mercury Compounds do in cosmetics?

Mercury Compounds functions as: Mercury compounds historically served two roles in cosmetic formulations. It is classified as a Cosmetic Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7439-97-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Mercury Compounds?

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 Mercury Compounds classified as hazardous under GHS?

Mercury Compounds carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: May be osive to metals Fatal if inhaled May damage fertility or the unborn child Causes damage to central nervous system and kidneys Causes damage to the central nervous system and the 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 — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Mercury Compounds compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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

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