Heavy metals
Lead
Banned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
Lead is absorbed through the skin and is linked to cancer and reproductive harm.
What to look for on the label
Lead acetate, plumbum. Also a risk in some kohl and traditional eye powders.
Full name: Lead and lead compounds (e.g. lead acetate)
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: Lead is absorbed through the skin and is linked to cancer and reproductive harm.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II #289: lead and its compounds |
| United Kingdom | bannedRetained Annex II #289: lead and its compounds; 2009 text |
| United States | restrictedLead acetate hair-dye use ended 6 Jan 2022; draft guidance: lead impurity max 10 ppm |
| Canada | bannedHotlist prohibited: lead and its compounds; lead acetate |
| South Africa | bannedLead and its salts prohibited in cosmetics (R.1227) |
| ASEAN countries | bannedAnnex II #289: lead and its compounds |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex II as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · FDA: Lead in Cosmetics · Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist · SA Regulation R.1227 (1988, amended) · ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex II (June 2026). 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 lead 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.