Heavy metals
Arsenic
Banned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal, so it is banned as an ingredient and limited as an impurity.
What to look for on the label
Not usually listed: a contaminant in some unregulated products.
Full name: Arsenic and arsenic compounds
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal, so it is banned as an ingredient and limited as an impurity.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II #43: arsenic and its compounds |
| United Kingdom | bannedAnnex II #43: arsenic and its compounds |
| United States | no specific ruleNo specific cosmetic ban; colour additives typically max 3 ppm; FDA can act on unsafe products |
| Canada | bannedHotlist prohibited: arsenic and its compounds |
| ASEAN countries | bannedAnnex II #43: arsenic and its compounds |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex II as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · UK Cosmetics Reg Annex II (legislation.gov.uk) · FDA: testing cosmetics for heavy metals · Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist · ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex II (June 2026). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.