Chemicals Banned in Canadian Cosmetics You’ll Still Find in the U.S.

You pick up a mascara or perfume in Seattle, the same one you’ve seen on shelves in Vancouver. The packaging looks identical. But what’s inside may not be.

Canada and the United States follow different rules for cosmetics. Health Canada enforces a “Hotlist” of banned or restricted chemicals, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require pre-market approval for most products and has no central banned list.

That split means a fragrance or nail polish bought legally in an American store can contain ingredients that regulators in Canada have already prohibited for safety reasons.

Why Canada and the U.S. Treat Cosmetics Differently

Canada’s cosmetic rules are built around prevention. Health Canada updates its Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist regularly, giving companies a clear list of substances they cannot use.

The U.S. system developed differently. The Food and Drug Administration does not review most cosmetics before they are sold, and there is no centralized banned list. Instead, responsibility often falls to the courts, state governments, or recalls after a product is already on the market.

For consumers, that means Canada emphasizes blocking high-risk ingredients up front, while the U.S. relies more on catching problems later.

That means a mascara sold legally in the U.S. may not meet Canadian requirements.

6 Chemicals Banned in Canadian Cosmetics but Still Allowed in the U.S.

1. Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP)

Phthalates are chemicals used to make nail polish flexible and fragrances last longer. They are manufactured by reacting phthalic anhydride with alcohols and are common in perfumes, sprays, and nail products.

Health Canada prohibits DEHP in cosmetics because of evidence of reproductive and developmental risks. In the U.S., phthalates are not federally banned in cosmetics, meaning certain products sold in American stores may still contain them, while Canadian versions must comply with stricter rules.

2. Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol

Formaldehyde, or its liquid form methylene glycol, can be present in hair-smoothing treatments and some nail hardeners. It can also be released in small amounts from preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin in shampoos and lotions.

Health Canada prohibits formaldehyde and methylene glycol in most cosmetics, allowing only limited use in nail hardeners with warning labels.

The FDA has not imposed a broad federal ban, though a proposed rule would restrict use in hair straighteners. This difference means certain products may be marketed in the U.S. that would not be permitted in Canada.

3. Mercury in Skin-Lightening and Eye Products

Mercury compounds have historically been used in skin-lightening creams and some eye-area products. Exposure to mercury has been associated with kidney and neurological effects.

Mercury is prohibited in all cosmetics in Canada. In the U.S., up to 65 ppm is still technically allowed in eye-area products if no safer alternative is available, although the FDA has stated that no such products are currently marketed.

4. Benzene (Contaminant)

Benzene is a petroleum-derived solvent that has been associated in studies with blood disorders and cancers. It is not added intentionally to cosmetics but has occasionally been detected as a contaminant in aerosol products such as dry shampoos and sunscreens.

Benzene is listed on Health Canada’s Hotlist as prohibited in cosmetics. In the U.S., there is no explicit federal ban in cosmetics, and recalls are issued only if testing shows unacceptable levels.

5. Fragrance Allergens

Fragrance mixtures can contain dozens of chemicals, including allergens such as limonene and linalool. These are used widely in perfumes, shampoos, lotions, and soaps.

Canada has adopted new rules requiring more than 80 fragrance allergens to be listed on cosmetic labels by 2028. In the U.S., labels are not yet required to disclose these allergens individually and may only list “fragrance” as a generic term.

6. Talc (Asbestos Risk)

Talc is a mineral used in powders, blushes, and pressed makeup for its absorbent and silky texture. Concerns arise because natural talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Health Canada has assessed talc as a potential health risk and is moving toward tighter restrictions. In the U.S., talc remains permitted in cosmetics, though the FDA has proposed new testing standards to monitor for asbestos contamination.

Screenshot the Chemicals Banned in Canadian Cosmetics

staysafevancouver.com

Why the Rules on Chemicals Banned in Canadian Cosmetics Differ From the U.S.

Both countries look at scientific evidence, but they act on it in different ways.

Canada often applies a precautionary approach. If there is credible evidence a chemical may pose a risk, restrictions or bans are put in place sooner. The U.S. typically waits for stronger, long-term proof before acting, which means some ingredients remain legal there for longer.

Legal frameworks also differ. In the U.S., cosmetics law has historically given manufacturers more freedom and fewer pre-market checks, while Canada requires ingredient notification and maintains an active Hotlist.

Industry influence plays a role as well. The U.S. market is larger and lobbying pressure is stronger, which can slow down regulatory changes. Canada has generally leaned more toward risk aversion and consumer protection in its cosmetic safety decisions.

What This Means for Shoppers

The same brand may sell different versions of a product depending on the country. Products marketed in Canada are required to comply with Health Canada’s rules, while U.S. formulations may include ingredients that are restricted here.

For consumers, the key point is that Canada applies a more precautionary approach. When buying products online or from U.S. retailers, it is possible to purchase cosmetics that would not meet Canadian requirements.

How Consumers Can Make Informed Choices

• Read labels: Ingredient lists can help identify substances of concern, such as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

• Purchase from Canadian retailers: Products marketed in Canada must follow Health Canada’s Hotlist and labeling rules.

• Check recalls: Both Health Canada and the FDA maintain online recall lists for cosmetics.

• Look for voluntary claims: Labels such as “phthalate-free” or “fragrance-free” are sometimes used by brands to market transparency.

FAQ: Chemicals Banned in Canadian Cosmetics vs the U.S.

Are parabens banned in Canada?

No. Parabens are still allowed in Canadian cosmetics, though Health Canada monitors their safety.

What cosmetic ingredients are banned in Canada?

Canada prohibits ingredients such as DEHP (a phthalate), mercury, formaldehyde, benzene, and is reviewing talc and PFAS.

What cosmetic ingredients are banned in the U.S.?

The U.S. bans relatively few cosmetic ingredients, mainly mercury above 65 ppm and certain unapproved color additives.

Can American makeup be sold in Canada?

Yes, but products sold in Canada must comply with Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist and related regulations.

Why are some beauty products banned in Canada but not the U.S.?

Canada maintains a precautionary Hotlist that restricts more chemicals, while U.S. oversight allows most ingredients unless later deemed unsafe.

Is talc banned in Canada?

No. Talc is not yet banned, but Health Canada has flagged it as a potential risk and is considering restrictions.

Are PFAS banned in Canadian cosmetics?

Not yet. Canada is reviewing PFAS as a class, while certain U.S. states such as California have already enacted bans.

Is Sephora makeup the same in Canada and the U.S.?

Not always. Brands may reformulate products to meet Canadian requirements, so ingredient lists can differ between countries.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information from Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related regulatory sources. It is not intended as legal or medical advice. For specific concerns about cosmetics safety or compliance, consult official government resources or a qualified professional.