Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Checker

Reference guide for restricted and banned cosmetic ingredients under Indian BIS and CDSCO regulations. Verify your formulation before product launch or import.

The table below lists key restricted and banned ingredients in cosmetic products sold in India, with regulatory limits based on the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, BIS standards, and GSR 513(E) amendment.

Ingredient Status Limit / Restriction Common Use
Mercury and its compounds Banned Prohibited (1 ppm trace limit per GSR 513(E)) Skin lightening, preservatives
Lead (as Pb) Restricted 20 ppm max Colour additives, contamination
Arsenic (as As) Restricted 5 ppm max Contamination from raw materials
Cadmium (as Cd) Restricted 5 ppm max Colour pigments, contamination
Antimony (as Sb) Restricted 5 ppm max Contamination
Chromium (as Cr) Restricted Cr(VI) prohibited; Cr(III) limited Colour additives
Hydroquinone Restricted Prohibited in cosmetics (permitted in hair dyes at 0.3%) Skin lightening
Formaldehyde Restricted 0.2% max (0.1% in oral hygiene) Preservative, nail hardener
Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben) Restricted 0.4% individual, 0.8% total Preservatives
Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) Banned Prohibited Plasticiser in nail polish, fragrances
Triclosan Restricted 0.3% max (rinse-off only) Antibacterial agent
Boric acid Restricted 5% max (not for use on infants) Preservative, pH adjuster
Hydrogen peroxide Restricted 12% max in hair products, 0.1% in oral products Hair bleaching, teeth whitening
Resorcinol Restricted 5% in hair dyes, 0.5% in other products Hair dyes, acne products
Salicylic acid Restricted 3% in rinse-off, 2% in leave-on (not for children under 3) Exfoliant, anti-acne

This table is a reference guide, not a complete regulatory document. Always verify against the latest published regulations. Last updated: April 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What regulations govern cosmetic ingredients in India?
Cosmetic ingredients in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards including IS 4011 (skin creams), IS 6608 (hair oils), and IS 9875 (cosmetics safety). The GSR 513(E) amendment (2019) introduced specific heavy metal limits for all cosmetic products sold in India.
Is heavy metals testing mandatory for cosmetics in India?
Yes. Since the GSR 513(E) amendment, all cosmetic products manufactured in or imported to India must comply with heavy metal limits: Lead (20 ppm), Arsenic (5 ppm), Cadmium (5 ppm), Antimony (5 ppm), Mercury (1 ppm). Testing must be performed at an accredited laboratory. Learn about our heavy metals testing services.
How do I check if my cosmetic product complies with BIS standards?
Submit your product to an NABL-accredited laboratory for testing against the applicable BIS standard (IS 4011, IS 6608, etc.). The lab will test for physical parameters, chemical composition, heavy metals, microbiological safety, and restricted ingredient limits. View our BIS testing services.

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