Fragrance & antibacterials
Hexachlorophene
Banned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
It is toxic and passes through human skin; it has been linked to nervous-system damage.
What to look for on the label
Hexachlorophene.
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: It is toxic and passes through human skin; it has been linked to nervous-system damage.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II/371 of Reg 1223/2009. |
| United Kingdom | bannedAnnex II/371. |
| United States | restrictedPreservative only if no alternative works; max 0.1%; not in products used on mucous membranes. |
| Canada | bannedOn the Hotlist prohibited list. |
| Japan | bannedOn the Appendix 1 prohibited list. |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex II as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · legislation.gov.uk UK Annex II (revised PDF) · eCFR 21 CFR 250.250 · Health Canada Hotlist · MHLW Standards for Cosmetics (English). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags hexachlorophene 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.