Hydrogen peroxide
- Food Fine
- Cosmetics Caution
What is Hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is used in food processing, for example to clean equipment or bleach some foods. It quickly breaks down into water and oxygen, so only tiny traces, if any, remain. It's fine in food; only the concentrated liquid is dangerous if swallowed.
What does Hydrogen peroxide do in cosmetics?
In cosmetics, hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in hair bleach and tooth whitening. It breaks down quickly on contact, so the concern is irritation rather than harm inside the body. Stronger products and longer contact raise the risk, so follow the directions and rinse quickly if it gets in your eyes.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Hydrogen peroxide?
Yasno’s verdict on Hydrogen peroxide: In food: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts. In cosmetics: Caution. Some evidence of a concern, it depends on the amount, or it is genuinely worth knowing. A Caution always has a specific, sourced reason.
Is Hydrogen peroxide allowed in the EU?
EU status of Hydrogen peroxide: In food: Listed in Yasno’s EU regulatory data, with no further details recorded. In cosmetics: Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply). Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Listed in Yasno’s EU regulatory data, with no further details recorded | Regulated as a food additive by the US FDA |
| Cosmetics | Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply) | Not recorded |
What else is it called?
- oxydol
- perhydrol
- Superoxol
Sources
- Safety Assessment of Hydrogen Peroxide as Used in Cosmetics, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2018
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
Yasno reads the whole label from a photo and explains every ingredient like this. It is coming soon to the App Store.