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Annex II Entry 1395 29/07/2020

Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2] is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1395

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 10043-35-3
CAS 10043-35-3CAS 11113-50-1PubChem CID 7628

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a member of boric acids. It has a role as an astringent. It is a conjugate acid of a dihydrogenborate. ChEBI

IUPAC name
boric acid
Molecular formula
BH3O3
Molecular weight
61.84 g/mol
Exact mass
62.0175241 Da
Topological polar surface area
60.7 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
3
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Orthoboric acidBoracic acidBorofaxBoron hydroxideBoric acid (H3BO3)Boron trihydroxideBasilit BThree Elephant
16 more reported names
Boric acid (BH3O3)TrihydroxyboraneTrihydroxyboroneFlea PrufeSuper Flea EliminatorOrthoborsaeureBorsaeureBorsaureOrthoboric acid (B(OH)3)NCI-C56417Dr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DTDr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DFPBOCollyrium Eye Washhydrogen orthoborateDr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DFB(OH)3
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:33118

boric acid

Formula
H3BO3
Average mass
61.833 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
62.01752 Da
Formal charge
0
  • boric acids — is a (CHEBI:59765)
  • astringent — has role (CHEBI:74783)
  • plastic heat stabilizer — has role (CHEBI:747338)
  • astringent — has role (CHEBI:74783)
  • plastic heat stabilizer — has role (CHEBI:747338)
  • boric acids — is a (CHEBI:59765)
  • dihydrogenborate — is conjugate acid of (CHEBI:29254)
Additional curated names
trihydroxidoboron[B(OH)3]B(OH)3boric acidBoric acidBORIC ACIDboron trihydroxideH3BO3orthoboric acid
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 10043-35-3 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 10043-35-3 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • CAS: 10043-35-3 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 11113-50-1 — ChemIDplus
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1585 — Gmelin
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 1644 — MolBase
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 2136 — PPDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 2136 — BPDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 3035 — DrugCentral
  • MANUAL_X_REF: BO3 — PDBeChem
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C12486 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: D01089 — KEGG DRUG

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2025-09-18. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7628

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Substance: Boric Acid Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • NTP Technical Report: TR-324: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Boric Acid (CASRN 10043-35-3) in B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies) (1987 ) Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Peer Review Date: 03/26/86 Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Rat: Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Rat: Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Summary: Under the conditions of these 2--year feed studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity of boric acid at doses of 2,500 or 5,000 ppm for male or female B6C3F1 mice. Testicular atrophy and interstitial cell hyperplasia were observed in high dose male mice. The decrease in survival of dosed male mice may have reduced the sensitivity of this study. Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Carcinogen Classification: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H360FD: May damage fertility; May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 2123) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H360 (88.7%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H360FD (11.2%): May damage fertility; May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2123 reports by companies from 49 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 2123 reports by companies.; There are 48 notifications provided by 2122 of 2123 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H360 (100%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 241 reports by companies from 5 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The Expert Panel concludes that Sodium Borate and Boric Acid, in concentrations less than or equal to 5 percent, are safe as cosmetic ingredients when used as currently recommended; however, cosmetic formulations containing free Sodium Borate or Boric Acid at this concentration should not be used on infant skin or injured skin. Note: In 2003, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on these ingredients and reaffirmed the above conclusion. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: Highly water soluble materials are unlikely to bioaccumulate to any significant degree, and borate species are all present essentially as undissociated boric acid at neutral pH(1). The octanol/water partition coefficient for boric acid has been measured as 0.175(1), indicating low bioaccumulation potential(1). Boron did not bioaccumulate in 47-day and 21-day exposure tests using oysters and sockeye salmon respectively(1). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: The pKa of boric acid is 9.24 at 25 °C(1), indicating that this compound will exist primarily in the undissociated form at an environmental pH range between pH 5 and pH 9, although the anion form will partially exist in alkaline soils(SRC). Adsorption of boron in soils depends on pH, organic content and types of clay and minerals in the soil(1). At acidic pH, boron exists in solutions in the form of undissociated boric acid; at alkaline pH, presence of borate ion occurs, which reaches maximum adsorption at pH 8.5-9(2). Field studies have observed boron to leach readily in soil(1); undissociated boric acid is transported in soil with little adsorption(2). Volatilization of boric acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-12 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 1.6X10-6 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 5X10+4 mg/L(4). Boric acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure. No biotransformation processes have been reported for boron compounds, including boric acid(2). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: The pKa of boric acid is 9.24 at 25 °C(1), indicating that this compound will exist primarily in the undissociated form at an environmental pH range between 5 and 9, although the anion form will partially exist in alkaline waters(SRC). Boric acid leaches readily in soils(2) which indicates adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in water will not be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-12 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.6X10-6 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5X10+4 mg/L(5). However, evaporation of seawater itself is reported to be the biggest environmental contribution of boric acid to air(2). No biotransformation processes have been reported for boron compounds, including boric acid(2). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), boric acid, which has a vapor pressure of 1.6X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. One monitoring study found that approximately 90% of boric acid in the atmosphere is in gaseous form and 10% in particulate form(3). Vapor-phase boric acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 38 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.2X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(4). Particulate-phase boric acid may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Chemical reaction regulator; pH regulating agent; Bleaching agent; Tanning agents not otherwise specified; Other; Lubricating agent; Anti-adhesive/cohesive; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Anti-scaling agent; Viscosity modifiers; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified; Plating agent; Chemical reaction regulator; Bleaching agent; Fuel agents; pH regulating agent; Binder; Other; Lubricating agent; Anti-static agent; Chelating agent; Etching agent; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Surface modifier; Dye; Flux agent; Flame retardant; Cleaning agent; Stabilizing agent; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Soil amendments (fertilizers) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Boric Acid Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as an insecticide to kill ants and roaches, as a soldering flux, a flame retardant and weatherproofing agent; also used as an additive to dyes, nickeling baths, film developers, glass, enamels, soaps, paints, paper, adhesives, and steel; [HSDB] Used as a flux, an additive for heat-resistant borosilcate glass and glass fibers, a flame retardant for textile and insulation products, a fungicide for citrus fruits, an eye medicine, and a solute for nickel electroplating baths; Boric acid is formed by crystallizing a solution of hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid and borax. [Hawley] Used for weatherproofing wood, as a preservative, in cosmetics, printing and dyeing, electric condensers, photography, and painting, for impregnating wicks and hardening steel, and to make cements, crockery, porcelain, borates, leather, carpets, hats, and artificial gems; Used therapeutically as an astringent and antiseptic and as a veterinary antibacterial and antifungal; [Merck Index] Registered US pesticide uses include insecticides (stomach poisons for ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and termites), fungicides (wood preservatives), and herbicides (desiccants, photosynthesis interrupters, and algae cont Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Steel Producing [Category: Industry]; Welding [Category: Weld]; Brazing [Category: Heat or Machine]; Electroplating [Category: Plate]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Applying Wood Preservatives [Category: Other]; Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]; Sewer and Wastewater Treatment [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Cement Producing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]; Glass Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Both oil base and water base fracturing fluids are being used in the fracturing industry. Water base, which includes alcohol-water mixtures and low strength acids, make up the majority of treating fluids. The common chemicals added to these fluids are polymers for viscosity development, crosslinkers for viscosity enhancement, pH control chemicals, gel breakers for polymer degradation following the treatment, surfactants, clay stabilizers, alcohol, bactericides, fluid loss additives and friction reducer. /Hydraulic fracturing/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Hydraulic fracturing uses a specially blended liquid which is pumped into a well under extreme pressure causing cracks in rock formations underground. These cracks in the rock then allow oil and natural gas to flow, increasing resource production. ... Chemical Name: Boric acid; Chemical Purpose: Maintains fluid viscosity as temperature increases; Product Function: Crosslinker. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For boric acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 011001) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For weatherproofing wood and fireproofing fabrics; as a preservative; manufacture of cements, crockery, porcelain, enamels, glass, borates, leather, carpets, hats, soaps, artificial gems; in nickeling baths; cosmetics; printing and dyeing, painting; photography; for impregnating wicks; electric condensers; hardening steel. Also used as insecticide for cockroaches and black carpet beetles. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for BORIC ACID (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

Chemical / IUPAC name

Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

Regulatory information

Key data

CAS
10043-35-3 [1] 11113-50-1 [2]
EC
233-139-2 [1] 234-343-4 [2]
Annex
Entry number
1395

Inventory links for Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

Inventory Shared CAS number
Ref 32208

BORIC ACID

CAS: 10043-35-3 / 11113-50-1
EC: 233-139-2 / 234-343-4

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 1396
Nearby record in the same annex

Borates, tetraborates, octaborates and boric acid salts and esters, including: Disodium octaborate …

CAS: 12008-41-2 [1]/ 12280-03-4 [2]/ 10377-81-8 [3]/ 68003-13-4 [4]/ 12712-38-8 [5]/ -[6]/ 1332-07-6 [7]/ 1330-43-4 [8]/ 12267-73-1 [9]/ 13840-56-7 [10]/ 1303-96-4 [11]/ 12179-04-3 [12]
EC: 234-541-0 [1]/ 234-541-0 [2]/ 233-829-3 [3]/ 268-109-8 [4]/ 603-184-6 [5]/ -[6]/ 215-566-6 [7]/ 215-540-4 [8]/ 235-541-3 [9]/ 237-560-2 [10]/ 215-540-4 [11]/ 215-540-4 [12]

What Annex II means for Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2] is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2] is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 10043-35-3 [1] 11113-50-1 [2] is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2] by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.

Source note for Annex II record Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2]

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2] from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Boric acid [1]; Boric acid [2], but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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