Mercury
Decode Label flags Mercury 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; mercury-added cosmetics phased out under the Minamata Convention
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, cosmetics containing more than 1 ppm of mercury — including skin-lightening creams and soaps — were to be phased out by 2020; mercury used as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics is exempt where no effective and safe alternative exists. It has historically turned up in skin-lightening creams. Mercury poisoning from cosmetic use causes neurological damage, kidney failure, and foetal harm during pregnancy. Any product found to contain mercury should be reported to authorities immediately.
Most relevant to
Cited authority
Minamata Convention; WHO; CDSCO; FSSAI
Linked sources: EU-CosIng → Minamata Convention →
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Mercury 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 221 | except those special cases included in Annex V | View → |
Hazard classification
A 2023 Conference of the Parties decision removed the 1 ppm threshold entirely for skin-lightening soaps and creams, banning any added mercury. A narrow exception remains for eye-area cosmetics (e.g. mascara) where no safe substitute exists.
Identity
- Canonical name
- Mercury and its compounds, except those special cases included in Annex V
- CAS number
- 7439-97-6
- EC number
- 231-106-7
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Mercury safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 prohibits Mercury in cosmetics (Annex II, entry 221). Why it is flagged: Heavy metal — neurotoxin; mercury-added cosmetics phased out under the Minamata Convention. 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 Mercury in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Mercury 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 Mercury?
Minamata Convention — Minamata Convention Art. 4 / Annex A — cosmetics with added mercury above 1 ppm banned.
Is Mercury restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Mercury 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 Mercury?
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 7 October 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.