HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless inorganic peroxide, also known in Portuguese as peróxido de hidrogênio. In water it is unstable and can break down while releasing oxygen. That oxidising behaviour explains why it appears in preparations intended to change colour, particularly hair products.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: what it is
Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless inorganic peroxide, also known in Portuguese as peróxido de hidrogênio. In water it is unstable and can break down while releasing oxygen. That oxidising behaviour explains why it appears in preparations intended to change colour, particularly hair products.
It is not a plant extract or an oil, but a chemical substance made for controlled use. On an ingredient list, the name refers to hydrogen peroxide itself; some other compounds can release it during use. Concentration and product type greatly change how it is used, so it is not interchangeable with household products or with other lightening agents.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, hydrogen peroxide mainly works as an oxidising agent. In a hair bleaching product, this action helps lighten the pigments in the hair fibre; for certain skin, nail, eyelash or oral preparations, the permitted limits and directions differ by category. Its antimicrobial classification is also connected to oxidising activity, but it does not turn a cosmetic into a treatment for infections or disease.
What a product can do depends on the complete formula, contact time and the amount released, not simply on seeing this name on the label. The evidence reviewed describes a reactive, unstable oxidising substance; it does not support claims that it repairs hair, treats acne, fades skin marks or replaces dental care.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: conditions and care
In the European Union, use is restricted by category: up to 12% in hair products, 4% for skin products, 2% in nail hardeners and 0.1% in oral products. Tooth-whitening products above 0.1% and up to 6% require first use by a dental practitioner or under direct supervision and must not be used by people under 18. Eyelash products are limited to 2% and for professional use; applicable labels instruct users to avoid eye contact and rinse immediately if contact occurs.
Restrictions and conditions of use
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
