Lead
Decode Label flags Lead as a high concern in cosmetics and personal care (heavy metal). It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
The concern
Heavy metal — neurotoxin with no safe exposure level
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. Lead acetate was historically used in progressive hair dyes. The FDA banned it in hair colourants in 2018. Lead contamination can also occur in lipsticks (from pigments) and kohl/kajal eye products. India has ongoing concerns about heavy metals in kajal.
Most relevant to
Cited authority
FDA Final Rule 2018; WHO; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Linked sources: EU-CosIng → FDA →
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Lead or any of its label synonyms. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole. If a product we score lists it, it will appear here and its score will reflect it.
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Prohibited | Annex II 289 | — | View → |
Hazard classification
This is non-binding RECOMMENDED guidance, not an enforceable regulatory limit — FDA testing found over 99% of products already comply. Separately, the 2018 final rule banned lead acetate specifically as a scalp hair-dye colourant.
Identity
- Canonical name
- Lead and its compounds
- CAS number
- 7439-92-1
- EC number
- 231-100-4
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Lead safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 prohibits Lead in cosmetics (Annex II, entry 289). Why it is flagged: Heavy metal — neurotoxin with no safe exposure level. Decode Label treats it as a high concern in cosmetics and personal care. It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
How common is Lead in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Lead in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Which authorities have classified Lead?
FDA — FDA draft guidance (2016) — recommended max 10 ppm as an impurity in cosmetics.
Is Lead restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Lead has 1 prohibited entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Lead?
Anyone using this regularly; People who are pregnant; Children.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.