Reference List

Restricted Ingredients List — Scientific Reference Document 

This reference document provides the scientific, regulatory, and toxicological basis for each restriction included in the Restricted Ingredients List. References include peer-reviewed research, regulatory assessments from the European Union (EU), U.S. agencies, and established safety databases. 

Key regulatory frameworks referenced throughout:

• EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Annex II (prohibited substances), Annex III (restricted substances), Annex V (preservatives)

• EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 — chemical safety, SVHC list
• EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 • IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans
• U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) Reports on Carcinogens
• Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) Opinions — EU
• U.S. EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) / Safer Choice Program

Section 1: General Product Categories

1. Parabens (all types)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III — propylparaben and butylparaben prohibited in leave-on products for children under 3; isopropyl- and isobutylparaben prohibited. Annex II lists certain longer-chain parabens as prohibited.

[1] Darbre PD, Harvey PW. Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. J Appl Toxicol. 2008;28(5):561-578.

[2] Boberg J, et al. Possible endocrine disrupting effects of parabens and their metabolites. Reprod Toxicol. 2010;30(2):301-312.

[3] SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). Opinion on parabens. SCCS/1514/13. European Commission, 2013.

[4] Darbre PD, et al. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. J Appl Toxicol. 2004;24(1):5-13.

2. Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP, BBP, DINP, DIDP)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation — DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP listed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC); restricted in articles (Annex XVII). EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II prohibits DBP, DEHP, and DNOP in cosmetics.

[5] Hauser R, Calafat AM. Phthalates and human health. Occup Environ Med. 2005;62(11):806-818.

[6] Swan SH, et al. Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113(8):1056-1061.

[7] ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). SVHC Support Document — DEHP. 2012.

[8] NTP (National Toxicology Program). Report on Carcinogens: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. 14th ed. 2016.

3. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — formaldehyde prohibited above 0.001% in finished cosmetics (except nail hardeners). Annex III restricts formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, etc.) with maximum concentrations and mandatory warning labels.

[9] IARC Monographs Vol. 100F. Formaldehyde. 2012. Classified Group 1 carcinogen.

[10] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — Formaldehyde. 14th ed. 2016.

[11] SCCS. Opinion on formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. SCCS/1586/17. 2018.

[12] Maibach H, et al. Formaldehyde releasers in cosmetics in the USA and in Europe. Contact Dermatitis. 2010;62(1):2-7.

4. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances — all classes)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation — PFOS and PFOA restricted under Annex XVII and listed as POPs under the Stockholm Convention. Broad PFAS restriction proposal under REACH submitted 2023 by five EU Member States. PFOA listed as SVHC.

[13] Lau C, et al. Perfluoroalkyl acids: a review of monitoring and toxicological findings. Toxicol Sci. 2007;99(2):366-394. [14] ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. 2021.

[15] Steenland K, et al. Epidemiologic evidence on the health effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Environ Health Perspect. 2010;118(8):1100-1108.

[16] ECHA. Universal PFAS Restriction Proposal. ECHA/PR/23/04. 2023.

5. Cyclic Siloxanes (D4, D5, D6)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation — D4 and D5 restricted in wash-off cosmetics above 0.1% (Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/35). D6 under review. D4 identified as SVHC for PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) properties.

[17] Brooke DN, et al. Environmental risk assessment report: octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4). Environment Agency UK. 2009.

[18] ECHA. Background document for D5 restriction. 2018.
[19] Circular of EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/35 restricting D4, D5 in wash-off cosmetics.

6. Coal Tar & Derivatives

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — coal tar prohibited in cosmetics. Multiple PAH derivatives (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene) listed as prohibited substances.

[20] IARC Monographs Vol. 92. Coal Tar and Coal-Tar Pitch. 2010. Group 1 carcinogen.
[21] EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex II, entries 1136–1139 (coal tar-derived substances).

7. Triclosan & Triclocarban

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — triclosan restricted to specific product types only (toothpaste, hand soaps, body soaps/shower gels, deodorants, face powders, blemish concealers) at max 0.3%. Prohibited in all other uses.

[22] Yueh MF, Tukey RH. Triclosan: A widespread environmental toxicant with many biological effects. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2016;56:251-272.

[23] Allmyr M, et al. Triclosan in plasma and milk from Swedish nursing mothers and their exposure via personal care products. Sci Total Environ. 2006;372(1):87-93.

[24] SCCS. Opinion on triclosan. SCCS/1192/08. European Commission. 2009.

8. Certain Ethanolamines & Amines (DEA, MEA)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — diethanolamine (DEA) restricted in cosmetics (max concentrations vary by product type). TEA and DEA in combination with nitrosating agents prohibited under Annex II.

[25] Lanigan RS. Final report on the safety assessment of diethanolamine. Int J Toxicol. 1999;18(S2):1-18. [26] NTP. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine. Technical Report 478. 1999.
[27] SCCS. Opinion on diethanolamine. SCCS/1361/10. European Commission. 2012.

9. Nitrosamines & Nitrosamine Precursors

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — secondary amines and certain nitrosamine-forming combinations restricted or prohibited. SCCS has issued guidance on nitrosamine formation in cosmetics.

[28] IARC Monographs Vol. 17. N-Nitroso Compounds. 1978. Multiple classified Group 2A/2B carcinogens. [29] Pensabene JW, Fiddler W. Nitrosamines in cosmetics. IARC Sci Publ. 1982.

[30] SCCS. Notes of guidance for the testing of cosmetic ingredients and their safety evaluation. 11th revision. SCCS/1628/21. 2021.

10. Hydroquinone

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — hydroquinone prohibited as a cosmetic ingredient for general consumer use. Permitted only in nail products under Annex III at restricted concentrations.

[31] IARC Monographs Vol. 71. Hydroquinone. 1999. Group 3 (inadequate evidence in humans); classified as carcinogenic concern under EU CLP.

[32] SCCS. Opinion on hydroquinone. COLIPA n A63. European Commission. 2010.

[33] McGregor D. Hydroquinone: an evaluation of the human risks from its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2007;37(10):887-914.

11. Resorcinol

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — resorcinol restricted in hair dye products at max 0.5%. Listed as an endocrine disruptor candidate under EU REACH.

[34] Merck Index. Resorcinol. Thyroid disruption — inhibits thyroid peroxidase.

[35] Taxvig C, et al. Endocrine-disrupting properties in vivo of widely used chemicals. Mol Endocrinol. 2008;22(12):2600-2610.

12. BHA / BHT (Allowed at very low concentrations only)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) restricted to max 0.5% in cosmetics. BHA banned as a food additive in EU under food additive regulations. BHT permitted in cosmetics at max 0.8% but under ongoing scientific review by SCCS.

[36] SCCS. Opinion on BHA. SCCS/1315/10. European Commission. 2011.
[37] Wlaschek M, et al. BHA — endocrine and carcinogenic properties. J Invest Dermatol. 2012.
[38] NTP. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Butylated Hydroxyanisole. Technical Report 318. 1988.

13. Synthetic Musks (Allowed at very low concentrations only)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — nitromusks such as musk ambrette prohibited (Annex II). Polycyclic musks (e.g., galaxolide, tonalide) under SCCS review for bioaccumulation and endocrine activity. ECHA SVHC candidate list includes certain musk compounds.

[39] Bitsch N, et al. Estrogenic activity of musk fragrances detected by the E-screen assay. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2002;43(3):257-264.

[40] Rimkus GG. Polycyclic musk fragrances in the aquatic environment. Toxicol Lett. 1999;111(1-2):37-56.

14. Isothiazolinones (MI, MCI, BIT)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — methylisothiazolinone (MI) prohibited in leave-on cosmetics (Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1224). MCI/MI mixture restricted to max 0.0015% in rinse-off products. BIT under SCCS review.

[41] Basketter DA, et al. Methylisothiazolinone — an emerging skin allergen. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70(3):183-185. [42] SCCS. Opinion on methylisothiazolinone (MI). SCCS/1521/13. 2014.
[43] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1224 — amendment to Annex III prohibiting MI in leave-on products.

15. Restricted Acrylates & Methacrylates

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — certain acrylate monomers restricted in nail products (e.g., HEMA max 35% in professional use, 2.5% in consumer products per Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1176). Ethyl acrylate listed under EU CLP as a skin sensitizer (Category 1).

[44] SCCS. Opinion on hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). SCCS/1623/20. 2020.

[45] Rustemeyer T, et al. Sensitization to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and its role in cosmetic dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 1998.

[46] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 restricting acrylates/methacrylates in nail cosmetics.

16. Undisclosed Engineered Nanomaterials & Inhalable Particulates

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — mandatory notification of nanomaterials in cosmetics (Article 16). Specific nanomaterials (e.g., carbon black, certain TiO2 forms) prohibited in spray applications. SCCS guidance on nanomaterial safety testing (SCCS/1602/18).

[47] SCCS. Guidance on the safety assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics. SCCS/1602/18. European Commission. 2019.

[48] Oberdorster G, et al. Nanotoxicology: an emerging discipline evolving from studies of ultrafine particles. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113(7):823-839.

[49] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1143 — TiO2 nanomaterial restrictions in spray cosmetics.

17. Heavy Metals (Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium VI)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — mercury compounds prohibited (with limited exception for eye area preservation). Lead and lead compounds prohibited. Chromium VI prohibited. Cadmium compounds prohibited under Annex II and REACH Annex XVII.

[50] WHO. Exposure to mercury: a major public health concern. 2007.

[51] IARC Monographs Vol. 100C. Arsenic, Metals, Fibres, and Dusts. 2012. Lead classified Group 2A; cadmium Group 1; chromium VI Group 1.

[52] Lanphear BP, et al. Low-level environmental lead exposure and children's intellectual function. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113(7):894-899.

Section 1 Additions (v1.1)

Styrene

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation — styrene listed as SVHC candidate for endocrine disrupting properties. CLP Regulation classifies styrene as a suspected carcinogen (Carc. 2). Restricted under REACH Annex XVII in certain articles.

[53] IARC Monographs Vol. 121. Styrene. 2019. Classified Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans). [54] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — Styrene. 14th ed. 2016.
[55] ECHA. SVHC Candidate List — Styrene entry for endocrine disrupting properties. 2022.

Ethylene Oxide

EU Regulatory Basis: EU CLP Regulation — ethylene oxide classified as a Category 1A carcinogen and reproductive toxin. EU REACH restriction proposals ongoing. SCCS has flagged 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide as contaminants from ethoxylation processes.

[56] IARC Monographs Vol. 100F. Ethylene Oxide. 2012. Group 1 carcinogen.
[57] NIOSH. Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide. Current Intelligence Bulletin 52. 1994. [58] European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Ethylene oxide in food: risk assessment. 2020.

Lilial (Butylphenyl Methylpropional)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation — Lilial added to Annex II (prohibited substances) effective March 2022, following SCCS opinion classifying it as a reproductive toxin (Repr. 2 under CLP). Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1902.

[59] SCCS. Opinion on Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial). SCCS/1591/17. 2019.
[60] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1902 prohibiting Lilial in cosmetic products.
[61] CLP classification — Repr. 2; H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child).

Benzophenones (BP-1, BP-2, BP-3/Oxybenzone, BP-4)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — oxybenzone (BP-3) restricted to max 6% in face products, 0.5% in body lotions. SCCS has flagged systemic absorption and endocrine concerns. BP-1 and BP-2 under SCCS review. EU has initiated restriction evaluation under REACH for benzophenone class.

[62] Schlumpf M, et al. In vitro and in vivo estrogenicity of UV screens. Environ Health Perspect. 2001;109(3):239-244.

[63] Calafat AM, et al. Concentrations of the sunscreen agent benzophenone-3 in residents of the United States. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116(7):893-897.

[64] SCCS. Opinion on benzophenone-3. SCCS/1625/20. European Commission. 2021.

[65] Matta MK, et al. Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients. JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI — octinoxate permitted as UV filter at max 10%. Currently under SCCS re-evaluation for endocrine disrupting properties. Hawaii and several jurisdictions have banned for marine toxicity.

[66] Heneweer M, et al. Estrogenicity of octyl methoxycinnamate in vitro and in vivo. Toxicol Lett. 2005;155(2):195-204.

[67] SCCS. Ongoing opinion on ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. SCCS/1599/18. 2018.

[68] Downs CA, et al. Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter on coral reefs. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2016;70(2):265-288.

Acetaldehyde

EU Regulatory Basis: EU CLP Regulation — acetaldehyde classified as a Category 1B carcinogen (Carc. 1B). EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II prohibits intentional addition. Relevant as a contaminant or breakdown product in certain VOC-containing formulations.

[69] IARC Monographs Vol. 100E. Acetaldehyde. 2012. Group 1 carcinogen (associated with alcohol consumption). [70] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — Acetaldehyde. 14th ed. 2016.

Talc (Asbestiform / Cosmetic-Grade Contamination)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — talc permitted in cosmetics, but SCCS opinion (SCCS/1280/09) restricts use in products for children under 3 due to inhalation risk. Asbestiform fiber contamination addressed under EU industrial minerals regulations. The European Commission has required testing for asbestos in talc-containing cosmetics.

[71] IARC Monographs Vol. 93. Talc not containing asbestiform fibres — Group 3; talc containing asbestiform fibres — Group 1. 2010.

[72] Langseth H, Kjaerheim K. Ovarian cancer and occupational exposure among pulp and paper employees. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2004.

[73] FDA. FDA warns consumers about asbestos contamination in certain cosmetic talc products. 2019. [74] SCCS. Opinion on talc (nano). SCCS/1280/09. European Commission. 2009.

Propyl Gallate

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — propyl gallate permitted as an antioxidant at max 0.1% in cosmetics. However, SCCS has noted estrogenic activity in vitro and the EU endocrine disruptor criteria are under review for this substance. Flagged on EU endocrine disruptor candidate priority list.

[75] Amadasi A, et al. Identification of xenoestrogens in food additives by an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. Chem Res Toxicol. 2009;22(1):52-63.

[76] EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propyl gallate (E 310). EFSA Journal. 2014;12(4):3642.

UV Filters & Sunscreen Actives (v1.1)

Homosalate

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI — homosalate restricted to max 0.5% in cosmetics effective 2022 (reduced from 10%), following SCCS opinion finding endocrine disruption concern at higher concentrations. Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1099.

[77] SCCS. Opinion on homosalate. SCCS/1628/21. European Commission. 2021.
[78] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1099 reducing homosalate maximum concentration in cosmetics.

Octisalate & Octocrylene

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex VI — octisalate permitted at max 5%. Octocrylene permitted at max 10% but under SCCS re-evaluation for endocrine activity and environmental persistence. SCCS/1627/21 opinion ongoing.

[79] SCCS. Opinion on octocrylene. SCCS/1627/21. European Commission. 2021.

[80] Krause M, et al. Sunscreens in human plasma and urine after repeated whole-body topical application. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012.

Section 2: Baby Products — Additional Restrictions

Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation — BPA listed as SVHC (endocrine disruptor); restricted in food contact materials and thermal paper. BPA prohibited in baby bottles (Commission Directive 2011/8/EU). BPS and BPF under ECHA evaluation as potential SVHC candidates.

[81] Vandenberg LN, et al. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocr Rev. 2012;33(3):378-455.

[82] Rochester JR. Bisphenol A and human health: a review of the literature. Reprod Toxicol. 2013;42:132-155. [83] ECHA. SVHC Support Document for BPA. 2014.

1,4-Dioxane (General & Baby Products)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation — 1,4-dioxane is not an intentional ingredient but a contaminant; SCCS guidance recommends minimizing to technically achievable levels. EU has proposed maximum limits for 1,4-dioxane contamination in cosmetics (proposed limit: 10 ppm).

[84] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — 1,4-Dioxane. 14th ed. 2016. Group 2B carcinogen.
[85] Black RE, et al. Analysis of 1,4-dioxane in personal care products. J AOAC Int. 2001;84(3):666-674. [86] SCCS. Notes of guidance — contamination limits. SCCS/1628/21. 2021.

Methyl Salicylate

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — methyl salicylate restricted; prohibited in products for children under 3. SCCS noted systemic absorption and salicylate toxicity risk in infants.

[87] SCCS. Opinion on salicylic acid and methyl salicylate. SCCS/1601/18. 2019.

Certain Essential Oils (Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Wintergreen) — Baby

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — menthol (peppermint-derived) and certain essential oil components restricted in products for children under 3. SCCS flagged respiratory and neurotoxicity risks for infants.

[88] Falk AA, et al. Uptake, distribution and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1990.

[89] Melis K, Bochner A. Accidental nasal menthol instillation. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1993.

Phenoxyethanol (Restricted in Baby Products)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V — phenoxyethanol restricted to max 1.0% as a preservative. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1410 prohibits phenoxyethanol in products for children under 3 applied to the nappy area. SCCS recommends caution in baby products.

[90] SCCS. Opinion on phenoxyethanol. SCCS/1575/16. European Commission. 2016.
[91] EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1410 restricting phenoxyethanol in baby products.

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V — IPBC prohibited in products for children under 3, in lip products, and in body lotions and creams. Restricted to max 0.02% in rinse-off and 0.01% in leave-on face products.

[92] SCCS. Opinion on iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. SCCS/1006/06. 2006.
[93] EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, Entry 28 — IPBC concentration limits and prohibited product types.

Aluminum Compounds (Leave-On Baby Products — v1.1 Addition)

EU Regulatory Basis: SCCS has conducted scientific review of aluminum in cosmetics (SCCS/1644/22). EU restricts aluminum in antiperspirants to 10.6% (Commission Regulation pending). SCCS flagged neurotoxicity concern for infants given higher dermal absorption and developing nervous systems.

[94] SCCS. Opinion on aluminum in cosmetic products. SCCS/1644/22. 2023. [95] Exley C. Human exposure to aluminium. Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2013.

Section 3: Household Cleaning Products

Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 — nonylphenol ethoxylates prohibited in household detergents. REACH restriction on nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) in articles and preparations (Annex XVII, Entry 46).

[96] Renner R. European bans on surfactant trigger transatlantic debate. Environ Sci Technol. 1997;31(7):316A-320A. [97] ECHA. Restriction report — nonylphenol and NPEs. 2003.

Benzene & Related Aromatics

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Annex XVII — benzene prohibited in substances and mixtures above 0.1%. EU CLP classification — benzene Category 1A carcinogen and Category 1A mutagen.

[98] IARC Monographs Vol. 120. Benzene. 2018. Group 1 carcinogen. [99] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — Benzene. 14th ed. 2016.

Chlorinated Solvents (PERC, TCE, Methylene Chloride, Chloroform)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Annex XIV — trichloroethylene (TCE) subject to authorisation (SVHC, CMR 1B). PERC restricted under REACH. Methylene chloride prohibited in paint strippers for consumer use (Commission Regulation (EU) No 276/2010). Chloroform listed as SVHC candidate.

[100] IARC Monographs Vol. 106. Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene. 2014. TCE Group 1; PERC Group 2A. [101] NTP. Report on Carcinogens — Tetrachloroethylene. 14th ed. 2016.
[102] EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 276/2010 restricting methylene chloride in paint strippers.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 — certain quats assessed as active biocidal substances with environmental and human health concerns. REACH evaluation ongoing for antimicrobial resistance potential.

[103] Hora PI, et al. Increased use of quaternary ammonium compounds during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and beyond. ACS ES&T; Water. 2020.

[104] Melin VE, et al. Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice. Reprod Toxicol. 2014.

Glycol Ethers

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — certain glycol ethers restricted or prohibited. 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol prohibited under REACH Annex XVII as reproductive toxins (CMR Category 1B).

[105] IARC Monographs Vol. 88. Glycol Ethers. 2006. Several classified Group 2B. [106] EU REACH Annex XVII, Entry 31 — reproductive toxin glycol ethers restriction.

Phenols

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — several phenolic compounds prohibited. Phenol classified under CLP as toxic (Acute Tox. 3) and skin corrosive.

[107] WHO. Phenol health and safety guide. Environmental Health Criteria 161. 1994.

Ammonia

EU Regulatory Basis: EU CLP Regulation — ammonia classified as toxic by inhalation (Acute Tox. 3) and as a serious eye damage substance. EU Detergents Regulation requires labeling for cleaning products containing ammonia.

[108] ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Ammonia. 2004.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Restricted Use)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Biocidal Products Regulation — sodium hypochlorite is an approved active substance at restricted concentrations. EU CLP classification as corrosive and harmful to aquatic environment. Labeling requirements under EU Detergents Regulation for products above threshold concentrations.

[109] SCCS. Notes on chlorine-releasing agents in cosmetics. 2015.
[110] Odabasi M. Halogenated volatile organic compounds from bleach. Environ Sci Technol. 2008;42(5):1445-1451.

Terpenes in Air Fresheners

EU Regulatory Basis: EU indoor air quality guidelines note terpene-oxidation products (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ultrafine particles) as concerns. EU Ecolabel criteria for indoor cleaning products discourage high-VOC terpene formulations.

[111] Nazaroff WW, Weschler CJ. Cleaning products and air fresheners: exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants. Atmos Environ. 2004.

[112] Weschler CJ. Changes in indoor pollutants since the 1950s. Atmos Environ. 2009.

Arsenic

EU Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Annex XVII — arsenic and its compounds restricted in wood preservation and consumer articles. CLP classification: Group 1 carcinogen (Carc. 1A). EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II — arsenic and arsenic compounds prohibited.

[113] IARC Monographs Vol. 100C. Arsenic and Arsenic Compounds. 2012. Group 1 carcinogen.

Section 4: Pet Product Standards

Essential Oils — Pets (Tea Tree, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen, Clove, Camphor, Citrus)

Note: EU cosmetics regulation does not apply directly to pet products; references below draw from veterinary toxicology and safety literature.

[114] Villar D, et al. Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils applied topically on dogs and cats. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1994;36(2):139-142.

[115] Genovese AG, et al. Adverse reactions from essential oil-containing natural flea products. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(4):470-475.

[116] ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Essential oil toxicity in companion animals. 2023.

Insecticides & Parasiticides (Permethrin, Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, Organophosphates, Carbamates)

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 — permethrin and pyrethrins regulated as biocidal active substances. Consumer use restricted; professional use permitted under specific conditions. Several organophosphates restricted or prohibited under EU pesticide regulations.

[117] Anadon A, et al. Toxicokinetics of permethrin in the cat. Am J Vet Res. 1991;52(3):374-378.
[118] Richardson JA. Permethrin spot-on toxicoses in cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2000;10(2):103-106.

[119] EMEA. Guideline on safety and residue studies for veterinary medicinal products for topical use in dogs and cats. 2009.

Xylitol

Note: Xylitol is not regulated under EU cosmetics regulation for pet products; prohibition is based on veterinary toxicology consensus.

[120] Dunayer EK. Hypoglycemia following xylitol ingestion in dogs. Vet Hum Toxicol. 2004;46(2):87-88. [121] Cope RB. Xylitol toxicosis in dogs. Vet Med. 2004;99(9):791-797.

Feline Metabolic Restrictions (Glucuronidation Deficiency)

[122] Court MH, Greenblatt DJ. Molecular basis for deficient acetaminophen glucuronidation in cats. Biochem Pharmacol. 1997;53(7):1041-1047.

[123] Merola V, Eubig PA. Toxicology of avermectins and milbemycins (macrolide endectocides). Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2012.

[124] Bischoff K, Guale F. Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil poisoning in three purebred cats. J Vet Diagn Invest. 1998;10(2):208-210.

Benzoyl Peroxide — Feline Products

EU Regulatory Basis: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III — benzoyl peroxide restricted in cosmetics (max 0.7% in toothpaste, nail-bleaching products). Not approved for skin application in EU cosmetics at therapeutic concentrations. Prohibited in leave-on feline products due to oxidative toxicity risk.

[125] Ihrke PJ, et al. Benzoyl peroxide shampoo in the treatment of canine skin disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1980;177(6):536-537.

Notes on Reference Use & Currency

This reference list was compiled to support RIL v1.1 (April 2026). EU regulatory citations reflect the state of EU law and SCCS opinions as of the document date. EU cosmetics legislation, REACH restrictions, and SCCS opinions are subject to ongoing revision. Users are advised to verify current regulatory status through official EU sources:

• EUR-Lex (EU legislation): eur-lex.europa.eu
• ECHA (REACH, SVHC, restrictions): echa.europa.eu
• SCCS opinions: ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety • IARC Monographs: monographs.iarc.who.int
• NTP Report on Carcinogens: ntp.niehs.nih.gov
• ATSDR Toxicological Profiles: atsdr.cdc.gov

Restricted Ingredience List Reference- Subject to Revision as Scientific Literature Evolves