Mercury compounds in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Mercury compounds is flagged by Olive Detective as a high concern in cosmetics. Preservative/lightening agent; neurotoxic — banned in most cosmetics. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on EU Annex II; FDA limit 1 ppm — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- other — flagged for review.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on thimerosal, mercury.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is red, so it caps a product's score below 25 on its own.
Source: EU Annex II; FDA limit 1 ppm
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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