Not cosmetic — industrial material
LITHIUM SULFIDE
Safety score · 0–100
Caution
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A reactive lithium sulfide — generates toxic hydrogen sulfide and carries lithium-systemic-toxicity concerns. Not appropriate for cosmetics.
Lithium Sulfide (Li2S, CAS 12136-58-2) is a highly water-reactive inorganic sulfide that liberates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on contact with moisture or acids. While conceptually it could function as a sulfide depilatory like strontium or calcium sulfide, lithium salts carry the additional concern of lithium ion systemic toxicity — lithium is a narrow-therapeutic-index drug with neurological and renal toxicity risks at elevated systemic exposure, and cosmetic topical exposure to absorbable lithium is not well characterized. Lithium sulfide has no CIR or SCCS clearance for cosmetic use, does not appear on approved Annex III depilatory entries (which name calcium/strontium/magnesium sulfides), and is primarily encountered as a laboratory chemical or battery precursor. Cosmetic use should be considered inappropriate.
Function
Skin benefits
- No validated cosmetic benefit
Known concerns
- H2S liberation
- Lithium systemic toxicity risk
- Water reactivity
- No regulatory cosmetic clearance
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related not cosmetic — industrial materials
Check your shelf
Find LITHIUM SULFIDE in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains LITHIUM SULFIDE and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
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.