Hydrogen peroxide in EU cosmetics: Annex III, entry 12
Hydrogen peroxide: the maximum concentrations and conditions are in the entry below. Annex III, entry 12, consolidated 18 May 2026.
- Annex
- III: List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down
- Reference number
- 12
- Chemical name/INN
- Hydrogen peroxide and other compounds or mixtures that release hydrogen peroxide, including carbamide peroxide and zinc peroxide, with the exception of the following substances in Annex II:, - No 1397, 1398, 1399
- Name of Common Ingredients Glossary
- Hydrogen peroxide
- CAS number
- 7722-84-1
- EC number
- 231-765-0
- Version
- Consolidated version of 18 May 2026
- Official source
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, consolidated text
Official wording: restrictions
- Product type, body parts: (a) Hair products | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (a) 12 % of H2O2 (40 volumes), present or released
- Product type, body parts: (b) Skin products | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (b) 4 % of H2O2, present or released
- Product type, body parts: (c) Nail hardening products | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (c) 2 % of H2O2, present or released
- Product type, body parts: (d) Oral products, including mouth rinse, tooth paste and tooth whitening or bleaching products | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (d) ≤ 0,1 % of H2O2, present or released
- Product type, body parts: (e) Tooth whitening or bleaching products | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (e) > 0,1 % ≤ 6 % of H2O2, present or released | Other: (e) To be only sold to dental practitioners. For each cycle of use, first use by dental practitioners as defined under Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) or under their direct supervision if an equivalent level of safety is ensured. Afterwards to be provided to the consumer to complete the cycle of use. Not to be used on a person under 18 years of age.
- Product type, body parts: (f) Products intended for eyelashes | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: (f) 2 % of H2O2, present or released | Other: (f) For professional use only
Official wording: conditions of use and warnings
(a) (f) Wear suitable gloves
(a) (b) (c) (e)
Contains hydrogen peroxide
Avoid contact with eyes
Rinse immediately if product comes into contact with them.
(e) Concentration of H2O2 present or released indicated in percentage.
Not to be used on a person under 18 years of age.
To be only sold to dental practitioners. For each cycle of use, the first use to be only done by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision if an equivalent level of safety is ensured.
Afterwards to be provided to the consumer to complete the cycle of use.
f) To be printed on the label:
‘For professional use only.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.
Contains hydrogen peroxide’
Notes referred to in this entry
- (14) Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22).
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