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 records6-Isopropyl-2-decahydronaphthalenol
Canada Hotlist: 6-Isopropyl-2-decahydronaphthalenol
CAS 34131-99-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 48 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
7,11-Dimethyl-4,6,10-dodecatrien-3-one
Canada Hotlist: 7,11-Dimethyl-4,6,10-dodecatrien-3-one
CAS 26651-96-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Maximum concentration: 2% as an impurity in methylionones
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 4 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
7-Methoxycoumarin
Canada Hotlist: 7-Methoxycoumarin
CAS 531-59-9
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 49 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
8-Hydroxyquinoline and its sulfate
Canada Hotlist: 8-Hydroxyquinoline and its sulfate
CAS 148-24-3; 134-31-6
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: 8-Hydroxyquinoline sulfate; Oxyquinoline; Oxyquinoline Sulfate | a) As stabilizers for hydrogen peroxide in rinse-off hair products | b) As stabilizers for hydrogen peroxide in leave-on hair products · Maximum concentration: a) 0.3% | b) 0.03%
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 5 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Acenocoumarol
Canada Hotlist: Acenocoumarol
CAS 152-72-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 50 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Acetonitrile
Canada Hotlist: Acetonitrile
CAS 75-05-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 51 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Acetylcholine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Acetylcholine and its salts
CAS 51-84-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: β-acetoxyethyl trimethyl ammonium hydroxide
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 52 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Acetylsalicylic acid
Canada Hotlist: Acetylsalicylic acid
CAS 50-78-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 53 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aconitine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Aconitine and its salts
CAS 302-27-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 54 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aconitum napellus L . leaves, roots and galenical preparations
Canada Hotlist: Aconitum napellus L . leaves, roots and galenical preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 55 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Acrylamide monomer
Canada Hotlist: Acrylamide monomer
CAS 79-06-1 · EC 201-173-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 56 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Adonis vernalis L . and its preparations
Canada Hotlist: Adonis vernalis L . and its preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 57 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alkali earth metal sulfides
Canada Hotlist: Alkali earth metal sulfides
CAS 21109-95-5; 20548-54-3; 12032-36-9; 1314-96-1
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Barium sulfide; Calcium sulfide; Magnesium sulfide; Strontium sulfide | In hair removal (depilatory) products · Maximum concentration: 6% as sulfur
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 6 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alkali pentacyanonitrosylferrate (2-)
Canada Hotlist: Alkali pentacyanonitrosylferrate (2-)
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 58 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alkali sulfides
Canada Hotlist: Alkali sulfides
CAS 12136-58-2; 1312-73-8; 1313-82-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Lithium sulfide; Potassium sulfide; Sodium sulfide | In hair removal (depilatory) products · Maximum concentration: 2% as sulfur
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 7 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alkyne alcohols and their esters, ethers and salts
Canada Hotlist: Alkyne alcohols and their esters, ethers and salts
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 59 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alloclamide and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Alloclamide and its salts
CAS 5486-77-1
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 60 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Allyl isothiocyanate
Canada Hotlist: Allyl isothiocyanate
CAS 57-06-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 61 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Alpha-hydroxy acids, including polyhydroxy acids and bionic acids with alpha hydroxyl groups, and their salts
Canada Hotlist: Alpha-hydroxy acids, including polyhydroxy acids and bionic acids with alpha hydroxyl groups, and their salts
CAS 77-92-9; 79-14-1; 50-21-5; 133-37-9; 6915-15-7; 79-33-4; 5949-29-1; 617-73-2; 90-64-2; 35249-89-9
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Citric acid; Glycolic acid; Lactic acid; Malic acid; Mandelic acid; Tartaric acid; Ammonium glycolate; Sodium citrate; Hydroxycaprylic acid; Mixed fruit acids; Gluconolactone; Ammonium gluconate; Lactobionic acid; Calcium lactobionate | a) Products for use on the skin for consumer use Manufacturer or importer to provide pH levels | b) Products for use on the skin for professional use Manufacturer or importer to provide evidence of safety, including: pH levels AHA concentrations directions for use clinical studies demonstrating minimal skin irritation | c) Products intended to be diluted in bath water may contain levels of AHAs exceeding 10% | d) Other cosmetics | e) Any cosmetics · Maximum concentration: a) Between 3% and 18% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.5 | b) Between 18% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents and/or a pH between 3.0 to 3.5 | d) Between 3% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.0 | 3% · Warnings: a) and b) "Use only as directed" "Avoid contact with the eyes" "If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician" "It is recommended that prior to exposure to the sun, users cover areas where AHAs have been applied with sunscreen" Product labels should contain appropriate directions regarding frequency and/or duration of use b only) "For professional use only" | d) "Use only as directed" "Avoid contact with eyes" "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs"
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 8 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aluminum chloride
Canada Hotlist: Aluminum chloride
CAS 7446-70-0; 7784-13-6 · EC 231-208-1
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: a) Deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride are not permitted in aerosol dispensers. | b) Not permitted in combination with aluminum chlorohydrate or its associated complexes or aluminum zirconium complexes | c) Deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride must be in the form of an aqueous solution. · Maximum concentration: c) 15% calculated as aluminum chloride hexahydrate · Warnings: c) "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs." "Do not use on broken skin."
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 9 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aluminum chlorohydrate and its associated complexes
Canada Hotlist: Aluminum chlorohydrate and its associated complexes
CAS 12042-91-0; 1327-41-9; 173762-81-7; 173762-82-8; 10284-64-7; 173720-80-4; 180324-83-8; 11097-68-0; 173763-15-0; 242812-86-8; 173763-16-1; 245090-60-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Aluminum chlorohydrate; Aluminum chlorohydrex PEG; Aluminum chlorohydrex PG; Aluminum dichlorohydrate; Aluminum dichlorohydrex PEG; Aluminum dichlorohydrex PG; Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate; Aluminum sesquichlorohydrex PEG; Aluminum sesquichlorohydrex PG | a) Not permitted in combination with aluminum chloride, other aluminum chlorohydrate complexes or aluminum zirconium complexes. | b) Deodorants and antiperspirants | c) Deodorants and antiperspirants in aerosol dispensers · Maximum concentration: b,c) 25% (calculated as the anhydrous form). | c) "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs." "Do not use on broken skin." "Keep away from face to avoid inhalation and spraying in the eyes." "Keep out of reach of children." · Warnings: b) "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs." "Do not use on broken skin."
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 10 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aluminum zirconium complexes
Canada Hotlist: Aluminum zirconium complexes
CAS 98106-55-9; 174514-58-0; 173762-83-9; 98106-54-8; 125913-22-6; 57158-29-9; 98106-52-6; 90604-80-1; 134910-86-4; 246867-10-7; 235433-35-9; 98106-53-7; 134375-99-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Aluminum zirconium octachlorohydrate; Aluminum zirconium octachlorohydrex GLY; Aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrate; Aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrex GLY; Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate; Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY; Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex PEG; Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex PG; Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrate; Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY | a) Not permitted in deodorants and antiperspirants in aerosol dispensers. | b) Not permitted in combination with aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate or its associated complexes or other aluminum zirconium complexes. | c) Other cosmetics · Maximum concentration: c) 20% (calculated as the anhydrous form) · Warnings: c) "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs." "Do not use on broken skin."
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 11 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Ambenonium salts
Canada Hotlist: Ambenonium salts
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 62 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aminocaproic acid and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Aminocaproic acid and its salts
CAS 1319-82-0; 60-32-2 · EC 200-469-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 63 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aminophylline
Canada Hotlist: Aminophylline
CAS 317-34-0
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 64 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Amitriptyline and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Amitriptyline and its salts
CAS 50-48-6
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 65 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Ammi majus and its galenical preparations
Canada Hotlist: Ammi majus and its galenical preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 66 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Amydricaine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Amydricaine and its salts
CAS 963-07-5
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Alypine; 1,1-bis(dimethylaminomethyl) propyl benzoate
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 67 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Amylocaine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Amylocaine and its salts
CAS 644-26-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 68 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Anaesthetic effects, substances with
Canada Hotlist: Anaesthetic effects, substances with
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 69 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Analgesics
Canada Hotlist: Analgesics
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 70 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Anamirta cocculus L . fruit
Canada Hotlist: Anamirta cocculus L . fruit
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 71 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Androgenic effects, substances with
Canada Hotlist: Androgenic effects, substances with
CAS 58-22-0; 53-43-0
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Testosterone; Prasterone
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 72 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aniline, its salts and, its halogenated and sulfonated derivatives
Canada Hotlist: Aniline, its salts and, its halogenated and sulfonated derivatives
CAS 62-53-3 · EC 200-539-3
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 73 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Anthracene oil
Canada Hotlist: Anthracene oil
CAS 120-12-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 74 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Antiandrogens with steroid structure
Canada Hotlist: Antiandrogens with steroid structure
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 75 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Antibiotics
Canada Hotlist: Antibiotics
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 76 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Antihistamines
Canada Hotlist: Antihistamines
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 77 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Antimony and its compounds
Canada Hotlist: Antimony and its compounds
CAS 7440-36-0
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 78 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Apocynum cannabinum L . and its preparations
Canada Hotlist: Apocynum cannabinum L . and its preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 79 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Apomorphine and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Apomorphine and its salts
CAS 58-00-4
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 80 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Apronalide
Canada Hotlist: Apronalide
CAS 528-92-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 81 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Arecoline
Canada Hotlist: Arecoline
CAS 63-75-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 82 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Aristolochic acid and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Aristolochic acid and its salts
CAS 313-67-7
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 83 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Arsenic and its compounds
Canada Hotlist: Arsenic and its compounds
CAS 7440-38-2
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 84 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Atropa belladonna L . and its preparations
Canada Hotlist: Atropa belladonna L . and its preparations
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 85 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Atropine, its salts and derivatives
Canada Hotlist: Atropine, its salts and derivatives
CAS 51-55-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 86 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Azacyclonol and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Azacyclonol and its salts
CAS 115-46-8
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 87 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Azamethonium salts
Canada Hotlist: Azamethonium salts
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Source:Hotlist prohibited entry 88 · version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13 · source checked 2026-08-30
Azelaic acid and its salts
Canada Hotlist: Azelaic acid and its salts
CAS 123-99-9; 52457-54-2; 132499-85-5; 17265-13-3; 27825-99-6
Health Canada lists this ingredient as restricted; the listed conditions and warnings apply.
Conditions: Synonyms or related compounds: Nonanedioic acid; Disodium Azelate; Dipotassium Azelate · Maximum concentration: 14%
Source:Hotlist restricted entry 12 · 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.