Benzene in Cosmetics: Safety, EU Ban & CosIng

Benzene (INCI). Uses, Safety, Regulation (EU CosIng)

Benzene is a chemical that is used in industry. It is not something you want in the things you put on your skin. Benzene is known to be bad for your health.

In the European Union, Benzene is not allowed in cosmetic products.

Key facts

• INCI Name: Benzene
• CAS Number: 71-43-2
• EC Number: 200-753-7
• Function: Solvent (used in the past)
• Regulation: Annex II (list of substances that are not allowed)

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a chemical that comes from oil. It is used to make other chemicals.

Benzene had uses in the past. Now people are more aware of the dangers of Benzene than its benefits.

It is very bad for your health if you are around Benzene for a long time.

What is Benzene used for in products?

Benzene is not used in cosmetics anymore.

In the past, Benzene was used as a solvent. Now it is not acceptable to use it.

Today:

• Benzene is not added to the things you put on your skin
• It can only be found in very small amounts
• Only if it cannot be avoided
• The amount must be controlled

Is Benzene safe?

No, Benzene is not safe.

It can:

• Cause cancer
• Damage your genes

This is why it is not allowed in cosmetic products.

EU Regulation

Benzene is listed in the European Union list of banned substances (Annex II).

This means:

• It cannot be used in cosmetic products
• It is considered a high-risk substance

There are strict rules:

• Benzene cannot be used as an ingredient
• It may only be present in very small amounts if unavoidable
• There are also limits in chemical laws (for example, 0.1% in some mixtures)

Side effects and risks

Being around Benzene can cause serious health problems:

• Blood cancers such as leukemia
• Damage to bone marrow
• Long-term toxic effects

Even small amounts over time can be harmful.

Alternatives

There are safer ingredients used instead of Benzene:

• Ethanol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Glycols

These are commonly used and approved for cosmetic products.

FAQs

Is Benzene allowed in cosmetics in the European Union? No, it is banned.

Why is Benzene banned? Because it can cause cancer and damage genetic material.

Can it still be found in products? Only in very small amounts if it cannot be avoided.

What does Benzene cosing mean? It means Benzene is listed as not allowed in the CosIng database.

Is Benzene safe? No, it is not safe.

Conclusion

Benzene is a substance that should not be used in the things you put on your skin.

The European Union rules are very clear: Benzene is banned.

The only acceptable presence is a very small amount that cannot be avoided. To stay safe and follow the law, Benzene must be strictly controlled.