Prohibited Substance
Cadmium and its compounds
Safety score · 0–100
Not Rated
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Toxic heavy metal and its compounds — confirmed human carcinogen, nephrotoxic, bioaccumulative. Absolutely not a cosmetic ingredient. EU Annex II prohibited.
Cadmium (CAS 7440-43-9) and its compounds are highly toxic heavy-metal substances. Cadmium is classified by IARC as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans — causally linked to lung cancer) and under EU CLP as Carc. 1B, Muta. 2, Repr. 2. Chronic low-level exposure causes kidney damage and bone disease (the itai-itai syndrome in historically exposed Japanese populations). It is highly bioaccumulative in human tissue (half-life in kidney cortex measured in decades) and in the environment. Cadmium and cadmium compounds are prohibited in cosmetic products under EU Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 Annex II (item 41 group). The INCI/CosIng-adjacent listing formalizes prohibition; there is no legitimate cosmetic use.
Skin benefits
- No cosmetic benefits — not a cosmetic ingredient
Known concerns
- IARC Group 1 confirmed human carcinogen
- Kidney and bone toxicity (itai-itai disease)
- Highly bioaccumulative in humans and environment
- Prohibited in cosmetic products under EU Annex II
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related prohibited substances
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.