Canada cosmetic ingredient regulations
The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist records administrative prohibitions and restrictions.
- Regulator
- Health Canada
- Source language
- English and French
- Coverage version
- Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, 13 August 2025
What this list is
Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist is an administrative list, not a regulation. It names substances Health Canada considers may not comply with the Food and Drugs Act — which is a different kind of statement from an EU annex entry.
- 580 Canadian records: 490 prohibited, 90 restricted.
- The Hotlist is administrative guidance; the binding instrument is the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations.
- It is published in English and French, and both versions are official.
- The Hotlist is shorter than the EU annexes by design — it is not an attempt at the same coverage.
The Hotlist reads like a prohibited-substance annex and works differently. Health Canada publishes it as administrative guidance: it names substances that the department considers may contravene the general prohibition in the Food and Drugs Act, or the Cosmetic Regulations made under it. The legal force sits in those instruments, not in the list, and the list can be updated without the process an annex amendment would need.
For anyone comparing markets, that difference matters more than it first appears. An EU Annex II entry is a legal prohibition with a number and a date. A Hotlist entry is Health Canada saying, in advance, how it reads the Act. The practical effect on a product is usually the same, but the reasoning a regulator will accept — and the evidence that can rebut it — is not.
The list is also much shorter than its EU counterpart: 580 records against several thousand. That is not a gap waiting to be filled. Canada regulates cosmetics through a general safety duty plus this list, rather than through an exhaustive catalogue, so a substance being absent from the Hotlist says nothing about whether it is acceptable in a Canadian product.
Both the English and French versions are official. Where a substance is named differently between them, neither wording is a translation of the other for legal purposes.
Checked against
Official ingredient records
580 matching recordsTripelennamine
Canada Hotlist: Tripelennamine
CAS 91-81-6
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 473 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Tuaminoheptane, its isomers and salts
Canada Hotlist: Tuaminoheptane, its isomers and salts
CAS 123-82-0
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 474 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Urea
Canada Hotlist: Urea
CAS 57-13-6 · EC 200-315-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: a) Cosmetics intended to be diluted in bath water | b) Other cosmetics · Maximum concentration: b) 10%
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 87 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Urea (carbamide) peroxide
Canada Hotlist: Urea (carbamide) peroxide
CAS 124-43-6 · EC 204-701-4
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: See " Peroxide and peroxide-generating compounds ".
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 88 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Urginea scilla Stern . and its galenical preparations
Canada Hotlist: Urginea scilla Stern . and its galenical preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 475 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Vaccines
Canada Hotlist: Vaccines
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 476 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Valnoctamide
Canada Hotlist: Valnoctamide
CAS 4171-13-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 477 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Veratrine, its salts and galenical preparations
Canada Hotlist: Veratrine, its salts and galenical preparations
CAS 62-59-9
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 478 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Veratrum spp . and their preparations
Canada Hotlist: Veratrum spp . and their preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 479 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Versalide
Canada Hotlist: Versalide
CAS 88-29-9
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 480 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Vinyl chloride monomer
Canada Hotlist: Vinyl chloride monomer
CAS 75-01-4 · EC 200-831-0
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 481 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Warfarin and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Warfarin and its salts
CAS 81-81-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 482 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Xanthinol
Canada Hotlist: Xanthinol
CAS 2530-97-4
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 483 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Xylidines, their isomers, salts, halogenated and sulfonated derivatives
Canada Hotlist: Xylidines, their isomers, salts, halogenated and sulfonated derivatives
CAS 1300-73-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 484 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Xylometazoline and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Xylometazoline and its salts
CAS 526-36-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 485 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Yohimbine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Yohimbine and its salts
CAS 146-48-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 486 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Zinc peroxide
Canada Hotlist: Zinc peroxide
CAS 1314-22-3 · EC 215-226-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: See " Peroxide and peroxide-generating compounds ".
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 89 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Zirconium and its compounds
Canada Hotlist: Zirconium and its compounds
CAS 7440-67-7 · EC 231-176-9
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Not permitted in aerosol dispensers. | Permitted as aluminum zirconium complexes and as zirconium lakes, salts and pigments of colouring agents only. See also " Aluminum zirconium complexes ". | Table 2 notes Table 2 note 1 Cells in this column are left blank when the substance does not have a known CAS . Return to table 2 note 1 referrer Table 2 note 2 Cells in this column are left blank when no synonyms or related compounds are provided for the entry. Return to table 2 note 2 referrer Table 2 note 3 Cells in this column are left blank when no condition of use is specified and the restriction applies to all cosmetic products. Return to table 2 note 3 referrer Table 2 note 4 Cells in this column are left blank when no maximum concentration is specified. Return to table 2 note 4 referrer Table 2 note 5 Cells in this column are left blank when no warning or cautionary statements are specified. Return to table 2 note 5 referrer
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 90 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Zoxazolamine
Canada Hotlist: Zoxazolamine
CAS 61-80-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 487 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
m -Cresol
Canada Hotlist: m -Cresol
CAS 95-48-7; 108-39-4
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: a) Not permitted in cosmetics intended to be used on or around mucosal membranes such as eyes, mouth or nose | b) Other cosmetics · Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Warnings: "Do not use in the area of the eye, mouth or nose"
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 51 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
o -Cresol
Canada Hotlist: o -Cresol
CAS 95-48-7; 108-39-4
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: a) Not permitted in cosmetics intended to be used on or around mucosal membranes such as eyes, mouth or nose | b) Other cosmetics · Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Warnings: "Do not use in the area of the eye, mouth or nose"
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 63 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
o -Phenylenediamine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: o -Phenylenediamine and its salts
CAS 95-54-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 353 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
p -Chloro- m -cresol
Canada Hotlist: p -Chloro- m -cresol
CAS 59-50-7 · EC 200-431-6
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Chlorocresol | a) Not permitted in cosmetics intended to be used on or around mucosal membranes such as eyes, mouth or nose | b) Other cosmetics · Maximum concentration: 0.1% · Warnings: "Do not use in the area of the eye, mouth or nose"
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 64 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
p -Hydroxyanisole
Canada Hotlist: p -Hydroxyanisole
CAS 150-76-5 · EC 205-769-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: 4-Methoxyphenol | Permitted only in nail products. · Maximum concentration: 0.1% If hydroquinone and p-hydroxyanisole are used in the same product, the total concentration of the 2 ingredients may not exceed 0.1% · Warnings: "Avoid skin contact" "Read directions carefully before using"
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 66 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
p -Phenylenediamine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: p -Phenylenediamine and its salts
CAS 106-50-3; 624-18-0; 16245-77-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: p -Phenylenediamine HCL; p -Phenylenediamine sulfate | a) Not permitted in products intended for use on the skin. Additionally see " Coal tar dye ". | b) Oxidative hair dyes · Maximum concentration: b) 3% after dilution with an oxidizer · Warnings: b) On the inner label and the outer label of the cosmetic: "CAUTION: This product contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation on certain individuals and a preliminary test according to accompanying directions should first be made. This product must not be used for dying the eyelashes or eyebrows. To do so may cause blindness." Instructions to the following effect accompany each package of hair dye: the preparation may cause serious inflammation of the skin in some persons and a preliminary test should always be carried out to determine whether or not special sensitivity exists; and to make the test, a small area of skin behind the ear or on the inner surface of the forearm should be cleansed, using either soap and water or alcohol, and a small quantity of the hair dye as prepared for use should be applied to the area and allowed to dry. After 24 hours, the area should be washed gently with soap and water. If no irritation or inflammation is apparent, it is usually assumed that no hypersensitivity to the dye exists. The test should, however, be carried out before each application. On no account should the hair dye be used for dyeing eyebrows or eyelashes as severe inflammation of the eye or even blindness may result.
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 69 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
p-Cresol and mixtures thereof
Canada Hotlist: p-Cresol and mixtures thereof
CAS 106-44-5; 1319-77-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Mixed cresols
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 356 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
trans -2-Heptenal
Canada Hotlist: trans -2-Heptenal
CAS 18829-55-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 461 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
α-Methylanisalacetone
Canada Hotlist: α-Methylanisalacetone
CAS 104-27-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-pentene-3-one
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 488 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
α-Santonin
Canada Hotlist: α-Santonin
CAS 481-06-1
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 489 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
β-Eucaine
Canada Hotlist: β-Eucaine
CAS 500-34-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 490 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Market coverage contract
Complete Hotlist snapshot- Included scope
- All prohibited and restricted Hotlist entries, including conditions and warning requirements published in the official list.
- If no match is found
- The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.
Complete verification checklist
- Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
- Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
- Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
- Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.
How Canada differs from other markets
Comparing this market's imported rules against every other market's for the same substance. A market with no imported rule for a substance is left out of that comparison rather than treated as permitting it.
Permitted here under conditions and prohibited, or more tightly held, elsewhere — so a formula built for this market may not travel.
Official sources and legal role
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Administrative prohibitions, restrictions, conditions and warning requirements
Legal meaning: Official Health Canada compliance indicator; not a complete safety clearance
Available language: English / French
What this market page can answer
Source and authority
Identify the official material and the regulator responsible for it: Health Canada.
Language and scope
See whether usable English or bilingual material exists and what the mapped source actually covers. Current source language: English and French.
Evidence status
Browse ingredient-level records imported from official sources. Each row states whether it passed deterministic source checks or human editorial review.
How to verify an ingredient for this market
- Search the ingredient by INCI name, CAS number or EC number and record the exact identity.
- Open each official source above and check the current version, product scope, concentration limits and required warnings.
- Confirm effective dates and whether an English text is official, reviewed or only contextual.
- Treat a missing local match as unknown, never as permission or a safety conclusion.