iodine
Iodine is a mineral element used in cosmetics as a preservative to prevent microbial proliferation in formulations.
Roles & functions
Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.
Safety limit not to exceed
| Population | Limit / day | Type of reference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult · general population | 600 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| Pregnancy | 600 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 15 years to 215 months | 500 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 1 year to 47 months | 200 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 4 years to 83 months | 250 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 7 years to 131 months | 300 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 11 years to 179 months | 450 µg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
Official reference limit, for information only, this is not personalised advice. Ask a pharmacist about your situation.
Last verified :
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Interdit (Annexe II) — Iodine |
| CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008) | No CMR classification |
| ECHA — endocrine disruptor (human health) | Not identified as an endocrine disruptor |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | No referenced nanoform |
| European Commission — Annex II (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:22 GMT | Prohibited in cosmetics (Annex II) — Iodine — Annexe II, entrée 213 |
What the EFSA says
Yes. Iodine contributes to normal cognitive function
Yes. Iodine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Yes. Iodine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Yes. L’iode contribue à la croissance normale des enfants.
Yes. Iodine contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
Yes. Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function
Source: EFSA / Reg. (EU) 432/2012
No contraindication is specified to date for this ingredient.
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