Preservatives
Bronopol
Restricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
It can help form cancer-causing nitrosamines in products and can irritate or sensitise skin.
What to look for on the label
Bronopol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol.
Full name: Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: It can help form cancer-causing nitrosamines in products and can irritate or sensitise skin.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | restrictedAnnex V/21: max 0.1%; avoid formation of nitrosamines. |
| United Kingdom | restrictedAnnex V/21: max 0.1%; avoid formation of nitrosamines. |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA prohibited/restricted ingredients list. |
| Canada | restrictedMax 0.1%; not allowed in cosmetics containing amines or amides. |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex V as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · legislation.gov.uk UK Annex V (revised) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Secondary: CosingChecker copy of Hotlist 2025-08-13. 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.