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Not cosmetic — industrial material

Cobalt lithium nickel oxide

5

Safety score · 0–100

Avoid

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

A lithium-ion battery cathode material — not a cosmetic ingredient. Contains nickel and cobalt with carcinogenicity and sensitizer flags.

Cobalt Lithium Nickel Oxide (LiNi_xCo_yO2, the NCO / NMC cathode family) is a mixed transition-metal oxide used as the positive electrode in lithium-ion batteries. It has no legitimate cosmetic function. Its constituents carry serious hazard classifications: nickel compounds are IARC Group 1 carcinogens (respiratory, by inhalation) and strong skin sensitizers; cobalt and cobalt(II) oxide are IARC Group 2A and REACH-registered for reproductive/respiratory toxicity; cobalt metal dust is classified as Carc. 1B under the revised CLP. EU cosmetics regulation restricts or prohibits cobalt and nickel salts in Annex II/III contexts. Any presence of this material in a cosmetic database is almost certainly a data-sourcing artefact — it should not be in leave-on or rinse-off products, and any skin contact with fine particulates poses both sensitization and carcinogenicity risk.

Skin benefits

  • None — not a cosmetic ingredient

Known concerns

  • Nickel: IARC Group 1 carcinogen by inhalation and strong sensitizer
  • Cobalt compounds: carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity flags
  • EU regulatory restrictions
  • Not appropriate for cosmetic use

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.