Sunscreen filters & others
Borates
Banned in European Union and United Kingdom; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why it matters
Boric acid is classified as toxic to reproduction (CMR 1B). It can be absorbed through broken skin, a particular risk for infants.
What to look for on the label
Boric acid, sodium borate, borax.
Full name: Borates (boric acid / sodium borate)
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union and United Kingdom; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why: Boric acid is classified as toxic to reproduction (CMR 1B). It can be absorbed through broken skin, a particular risk for infants.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | no specific ruleNot named in NAFDAC labelling, bleaching-agent or registration rules. |
| European Union | bannedBoric acid and borates moved from Annex III to Annex II (1395/1396) by Reg 2019/831. |
| United Kingdom | bannedRetained Reg 2019/831 Annex II entries; trimethyl borate also added by SI 2026/23. |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA's prohibited/restricted cosmetic ingredients list. |
| Canada | restrictedMax 5% (0.1% as pH adjuster); not on broken skin or for under-3s. |
Sources: NAFDAC cosmetics registration guidelines · legislation.gov.uk (Reg 2019/831) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Health Canada Hotlist (2025-08-13) via CosIng Checker (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags borates and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.