BARIUM SULFIDE
Overview
Barium sulfide is an inorganic compound historically used in depilatory (hair removal) products due to its ability to break disulfide bonds in hair keratin. It is banned in EU cosmetics (Annex III/23 restricted, effectively prohibited) and restricted in the UK due to the systemic toxicity of soluble barium salts. Barium sulfide has an unpleasant hydrogen sulfide odor and can cause skin irritation and barium toxicity through dermal absorption. Modern depilatory products use calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate instead.
Also known as: Barium Sulfide, Barium Monosulfide, BaS
Key Benefits
No skin benefits. Barium sulfide's only cosmetic use was as a depilatory (hair removal) agent via keratin disulfide bond cleavage. Safer alternatives have replaced it.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; used as a depilatory agent, not a skin conditioner.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; physicochemical properties
Irritancy Rating
Strong skin and mucous membrane irritant; generates hydrogen sulfide on contact with moisture; soluble barium is systemically toxic (neurotoxic, cardiotoxic) through dermal absorption
Source: EU regulatory assessment; toxicological literature on barium salts
Typical Use Concentration
Range
Not applicable β banned/obsolete ingredient
Optimal
Not applicable
EU banned in cosmetics (Annex III/23). Historical use in depilatory pastes; fully replaced by safer alternatives.
Works Well With / Avoid
Avoid Combining
Banned/restricted in EU/UK. No current cosmetic use. Replaced by calcium thioglycolate and potassium thioglycolate in modern depilatory products.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Restricted | - | Follows EU regulations (III/23) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
The EU banned barium sulfide in cosmetics (listed in Annex III/23 with zero permitted concentration) due to the toxicity of soluble barium salts and skin irritation/systemic toxicity risk. The US and Japan have not specifically prohibited it in cosmetics but it has been effectively eliminated by the availability of safer thioglycolate-based depilatories.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 17 ingredients in the DEPILATORY category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Not found in nature in significant amounts. Barium itself occurs naturally in the minerals barite (barium sulfate) and witherite (barium carbonate).
π How It's Made
Produced by reducing barium sulfate (barite ore) with carbon (coke) at high temperatures (1000-1200Β°C) in a rotary kiln. This is called the 'black ash' process.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in cosmetic products primarily for depilatory.
π¬ Other Applications
Used as an intermediate in barium chemical production, in luminous paint (phosphorescent pigments), leather tanning, and historically in depilatory formulations.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Barium sulfide is one of the oldest known depilatory (hair removal) agents β ancient civilizations used barium compounds to remove unwanted hair
- β’ It works by breaking the disulfide bonds in hair keratin, dissolving the hair shaft β the same basic chemistry as modern chemical depilatories
- β’ The word 'barium' comes from Greek 'barys' meaning heavy, because barium compounds are notably dense
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database (Annex III/23)
- β’ Toxicological literature on barium compounds (ATSDR)
- β’ Historical cosmetic chemistry reviews
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BARIUM SULFIDE banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning BARIUM SULFIDE under III/23 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is BARIUM SULFIDE banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits BARIUM SULFIDE (III/23) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is BARIUM SULFIDE used for in cosmetics?
BARIUM SULFIDE is primarily used for depilatory in cosmetic products. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate BARIUM SULFIDE?
BARIUM SULFIDE is banned in EU. It has concentration limits or usage restrictions in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to BARIUM SULFIDE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on BARIUM SULFIDE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For depilatory, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.