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ProhibitedOfficial guidanceCAOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Mercury and its compounds

Canada Hotlist: Mercury and its compounds

Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.

All Canada recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Official guidance
Regulatory summary
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions and restrictions
Synonyms or related compounds: Mercuric oxide; Phenyl mercuric acetate; Phenyl mercuric benzoate; Phenyl mercuric borate; Thimerosal

Substance identity

Official source name
Mercury and its compounds
CAS
7439-97-6; 21908-53-2; 62-38-4; 94-43-9; 102-98-7; 6273-99-0; 54-64-8
EC
Not supplied in this source row
Identity mapping
Exact CAS: 21908-53-2
Linked ingredient
MERCURIC OXIDE
Search this identity across the siteCAS 7439-97-6CAS 21908-53-2CAS 62-38-4CAS 94-43-9CAS 102-98-7CAS 6273-99-0CAS 54-64-8

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

MERCURIC OXIDE

EU inventory restriction note: II/221

Recorded cosmetic function: ANTIMICROBIAL

Function pages:ANTIMICROBIAL

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

10 market datasets

Great Britain

Permitted list with conditionsProhibited

3 linked records · 2 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

New Zealand

Permitted list with conditionsProhibited

4 linked records · 3 with specific conditions

Open supporting record
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 102-98-7
CAS 102-98-7PubChem CID 16683761

Verified chemistry for CAS 102-98-7

Phenylmercury borate

IUPAC name
boronooxy(phenyl)mercury
Molecular formula
C6H7BHgO3
Molecular weight
338.52 g/mol
Exact mass
340.019468 Da
Monoisotopic mass
340.019468 Da
Topological polar surface area
49.7 Ų
Molecular complexity
106.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Rotatable bonds
3
Heavy atoms
11
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

FamoseptFenoseptSpidoxolSpidoxRyfenPhenylmercuriboratePhenyl mercuric borateNSC-163948
11 more reported names
phenylhydrargyri borasRefChem:173090203-068-1(dihydrogen borato)phenylmercuryZT1TTY3NGJPhenylmercuriboratMercurate(2-), dihydrogendihydrogen borate;phenylmercury(1+)DB-040400Mercurate(2-), [orthoborato(3-)-.kappa.O]phenyl-, dihydrogenMercurate(2-), [orthoborato(3-)-kappaO]phenyl-, hydrogen (1:2)
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
B(O)(O)O[Hg]C1=CC=CC=C1
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H5.BH2O3.Hg/c1-2-4-6-5-3-1;2-1(3)4;/h1-5H;2-3H;/q;-1;+1
InChIKey
VUXSPDNLYQTOSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match16683761

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

  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 7% (3 of 43) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H300 (93%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H310 (93%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H330 (93%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H373 (93%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H400 (90.7%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 (90.7%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, 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 43 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3 of 43 reports by companies.; There are 3 notifications provided by 40 of 43 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)
  • Health Effects: Mercury mainly affects the nervous system. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Acrodynia, a type of mercury poisoning in children, is characterized by pain and pink discoloration of the hands and feet. Mercury poisoning can also cause Hunter-Russell syndrome and Minamata disease. (L7) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: High-affinity binding of the divalent mercuric ion to thiol or sulfhydryl groups of proteins is believed to be the major mechanism for the activity of mercury. Through alterations in intracellular thiol status, mercury can promote oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in heme metabolism. Mercury is known to bind to microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes, resulting in cell injury and death. For example, mercury is known to inhibit aquaporins, halting water flow across the cell membrane. It also inhibits the protein LCK, which causes decreased T-cell signalling and immune system depression. Mercury is also believed to inhibit neuronal excitability by acting on the postsynaptic neuronal membrane. It also affects the nervous system by inhibiting protein kinase C and alkaline phosphatase, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Organic mercury exerts developmental effects by binding to tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and causing mitotic inhibition. Mercury also produces an autoimmune response, likely by modification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, self Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

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 ChEBINo exact record2026-08-31
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.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 21908-53-2
CAS 21908-53-2PubChem CID 30856

Verified chemistry for CAS 21908-53-2

Mercuric oxide

IUPAC name
oxomercury
Molecular formula
HgO
Molecular weight
216.59 g/mol
Exact mass
217.965558 Da
Monoisotopic mass
217.965558 Da
Topological polar surface area
17.1 Ų
Molecular complexity
2.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
2
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

Mercury(II) oxideMercuric oxide, redSantarRed PrecipitateRed mercuric oxideMercury oxide (HgO)Mercuric oxide, yellowSantar M
16 more reported names
Yellow precipitateMercuric oxide redNatural montroyditeMercury(2+) oxideRed oxide of mercuryGelbes quecksilberoxydHydrargyrum oxid flavYellow mercuric oxideMercuric oxide (red)Oxide mercurique jauneMercuric oxide (HgO)Caswell No. 544AYellow oxide of mercuryOxido amarillo de mercurioOxyde de mercureEPA Pesticide Chemical Code 052102
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
O=[Hg]
InChI
InChI=1S/Hg.O
InChIKey
UKWHYYKOEPRTIC-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 54-64-8
CAS 54-64-8PubChem CID 16684434

Verified chemistry for CAS 54-64-8

Thimerosal

Thimerosal is an alkylmercury compound (approximately 49% mercury by weight) used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. It has a role as an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, an antifungal drug and a drug allergen. It contains an ethylmercurithiosalicylate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
sodium (2-carboxylatophenyl)sulfanyl-ethylmercury
Molecular formula
C9H9HgNaO2S
Molecular weight
404.82 g/mol
Exact mass
405.992739 Da
Monoisotopic mass
405.992739 Da
Topological polar surface area
65.4 Ų
Molecular complexity
180.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Rotatable bonds
3
Heavy atoms
14
Covalent units
2

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

ThiomersalThiomersalateMercurothiolateMERTHIOLATESodium merthiolateThimerosalateThimerosalumThimerosol
16 more reported names
ThimersalateThiomersalatSodium ethylmercurithiosalicylateThiomersalumMerfaminMertorganMerzoninTiomersalTiomersaleEstivinMerpholMercurothiolatumAeroaid sprayMerzonin sodiumMerthiolate saltEthylmercurithiosalicylate sodium
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
CC[Hg]SC1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)[O-].[Na+]
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H6O2S.C2H5.Hg.Na/c8-7(9)5-3-1-2-4-6(5)10;1-2;;/h1-4,10H,(H,8,9);1H2,2H3;;/q;;2*+1/p-2
InChIKey
RTKIYNMVFMVABJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L

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

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 62-38-4
CAS 62-38-4PubChem CID 16682730

Verified chemistry for CAS 62-38-4

Phenylmercuric Acetate

IUPAC name
acetyloxy(phenyl)mercury
Molecular formula
C8H8HgO2
Molecular weight
336.74 g/mol
Exact mass
338.023073 Da
Monoisotopic mass
338.023073 Da
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ų
Molecular complexity
130.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
3
Heavy atoms
11
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

phenylmercury acetateacetoxyphenylmercuryDyanacideGallotoxHostaquikLiquipheneMercuronMersolite
16 more reported names
NeantinaNorformsNylmeratePrograminQuicksanTrigosanVerdasanAnticonKwiksanMeracenPhenmadZiarnikBufenFemmaScutlPhix
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
CC(=O)O[Hg]C1=CC=CC=C1
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H5.C2H4O2.Hg/c1-2-4-6-5-3-1;1-2(3)4;/h1-5H;1H3,(H,3,4);/q;;+1/p-1
InChIKey
XEBWQGVWTUSTLN-UHFFFAOYSA-M

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

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 6273-99-0
CAS 6273-99-0PubChem CID 16683655

Verified chemistry for CAS 6273-99-0

Mercury, [mu-[orthoborato(2-)-O:O']]diphenyldi-

IUPAC name
[hydroxy(phenylmercuriooxy)boranyl]oxy-phenylmercury
Molecular formula
C12H11BHg2O3
Molecular weight
615.21 g/mol
Exact mass
616.019095 Da
Monoisotopic mass
618.02141 Da
Topological polar surface area
38.7 Ų
Molecular complexity
199.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Rotatable bonds
6
Heavy atoms
18
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

Mercury, [.mu.-[orthoborato(2-)-O:O']]diphenyldi-Mercury, (mu-(orthoborato(2-)-O:O'))diphenyldi-MercurylMersolite 90EINECS 228-465-7AI3-60045(mu-(Orthoborato(2-)-O:O'))diphenyldimercuryMercury, [.mu.-(hydrogen orthoborato)]diphenyldi-
4 more reported names
NSC 35683NSC-35683Mercury, (u-(orthoborato(2-)-O:O'))diphenyldi-(mu-Hydrogen-kappaO:kappaO' borato)diphenyldimercury
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
B(O)(O[Hg]C1=CC=CC=C1)O[Hg]C2=CC=CC=C2
InChI
InChI=1S/2C6H5.BHO3.2Hg/c2*1-2-4-6-5-3-1;2-1(3)4;;/h2*1-5H;2H;;/q;;-2;2*+1
InChIKey
HCIUVGKUNYOVBM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 7439-97-6
CAS 7439-97-6PubChem CID 23931

Verified chemistry for CAS 7439-97-6

Mercury

IUPAC name
mercury
Molecular formula
Hg
Molecular weight
200.59 g/mol
Exact mass
201.970644 Da
Monoisotopic mass
201.970644 Da
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Molecular complexity
0.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
1
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

QuicksilverHydrargyrumLiquid silverMetallic mercuryQuecksilberMercureMercurioColloidal mercury
16 more reported names
KwikMercurius vivusMercury, elementalMercury metalHgNCI-C60399MERCURY ELEMENTFXS1BY2PGLCHEBI:16170CHEBI:25195Dietary MercuryMercury metal: Colloidal mercuryMercurius 12XMercurius 21XMercurius vivus 8Mercurius vivus 6X
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
[Hg]
InChI
InChI=1S/Hg
InChIKey
QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 94-43-9
CAS 94-43-9PubChem CID 16682929

Verified chemistry for CAS 94-43-9

Phenylmercury benzoate

IUPAC name
benzoyloxy(phenyl)mercury
Molecular formula
C13H10HgO2
Molecular weight
398.81 g/mol
Exact mass
400.038723 Da
Monoisotopic mass
400.038723 Da
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ų
Molecular complexity
218.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
4
Heavy atoms
16
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

PHENYLMERCURIC BENZOATE(Benzoato-O)phenylmercuryUNII-CHY7T9AM0WCHY7T9AM0WMercury, (benzoato)phenyl-EINECS 202-331-8NSC 84248NSC-84248
6 more reported names
RefChem:173089MERCURY, (BENZOYLOXY)PHENYL-Phenyl mercuric benzoateMercury, (benzoato-O)phenyl-Phenyl Mercury Benzoate(Benzoato-kappaO)phenylmercury
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D conformers
0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O[Hg]C2=CC=CC=C2
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H6O2.C6H5.Hg/c8-7(9)6-4-2-1-3-5-6;1-2-4-6-5-3-1;/h1-5H,(H,8,9);1-5H;/q;;+1/p-1
InChIKey
ZXFQZMVPEYERPI-UHFFFAOYSA-M

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

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Source reference
Hotlist prohibited entry 303
Source record ID
prohibited:303
Source version
Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Source updated
2025-08-13
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:07 UTC
Validation method
strict HTML tables t1=490 and t2=90
SHA-256
8b52ff573d08373ee90121f6a701b3607e4a3d6fc748a7d56171eb53510af91a

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Administrative prohibitions, restrictions, conditions and warning requirements
Authority note
Official Health Canada compliance indicator; not a complete safety clearance
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

580
current Canada records
490
records marked Prohibited
580
records from this source version
516
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Prohibited: 490Restricted: 90

Condition text is present on 172 of 580 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Canada market context

Complete Hotlist snapshot

Coverage version: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, 13 August 2025

All prohibited and restricted Hotlist entries, including conditions and warning requirements published in the official list.

Verification checklist

  1. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  2. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  3. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  4. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Mercury and its compounds” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  3. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  4. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  5. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECNot supplied
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateNot supplied
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope. Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

The record cites Hotlist prohibited entry 303, source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Mercury and its compounds. Hotlist prohibited entry 303. Canada. Source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/ca/records/303/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Canada

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope.

Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

How to interpret the legal role

The authority uses this source as compliance guidance; the underlying legislation remains controlling.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Official guidance
  • Source version: Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13

What it does not prove

The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source