CATALASE
Commonly Found In
Overview
Catalase is an enzyme found in virtually all living organisms that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In cosmetics, it is used in oxidative hair color systems to neutralize residual hydrogen peroxide after dyeing. It is banned in EU and UK cosmetics (Annex II/74) but permitted in Japan and the US.
Also known as: hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase, CAT (enzyme abbreviation)
Key Benefits
Studies suggest catalase may help neutralize residual hydrogen peroxide in hair coloring systems, potentially reducing post-dye scalp irritation. Its primary role is enzymatic H2O2 decomposition rather than direct skin benefit.
Supporting Research
- β’ Enzymatic literature: Catalase decomposes H2O2 into H2O + O2 at extremely high efficiency (kcat ~40 million s-1)
- β’ EU Annex II/74: Listed as prohibited in EU cosmetics
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; enzyme protein that does not occlude pores.
Source: CIR safety assessment; physicochemical properties
Irritancy Rating
Non-irritating; naturally occurring enzyme (decomposes hydrogen peroxide) with excellent safety profile at cosmetic use levels. Skin cells produce catalase endogenously.
Source: CIR safety assessment of enzymes in cosmetics
Typical Use Concentration
Range
Activity-based dosing (units/g)
Optimal
Sufficient to neutralize target H2O2 concentration
Not regulated by fixed concentration; enzyme activity (IU/g) is the relevant parameter. Not for EU/UK cosmetic use.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Avoid Combining
EU/UK banned. Used in non-EU/UK hair color systems to neutralize residual H2O2 after oxidative dyeing. Enzyme activity is pH and temperature dependent; optimal activity around pH 7, 37Β°C.
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 | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (II/74) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
EU/UK ban (Annex II/74) on catalase in cosmetics likely relates to its animal/microbial origin and enzyme activity concerns rather than direct human safety issues. Japan and US permit its use in hair care and other cosmetic applications without specific restrictions.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU, UK but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 174 ingredients in the HAIR CONDITIONING category. 99% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Found in nearly all living organisms that are exposed to oxygen, including humans. Present in high concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and red blood cells. Also abundant in plants, fungi, and bacteria.
π How It's Made
Commercially produced by microbial fermentation using Aspergillus niger or Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Extracted and purified from the fermentation broth. Also isolated from bovine liver.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in oxidative hair coloring systems to break down residual hydrogen peroxide after the hair dyeing process. This reduces post-color scalp irritation from residual oxidant. Banned in EU/UK (Annex II/74). Permitted in Japan and US.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in food industry (removing hydrogen peroxide from milk, cheese making), textile bleaching, contact lens cleaning solutions, and in research as a model enzyme for studying enzyme kinetics.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Catalase is one of the fastest enzymes known β a single molecule can break down 40 million hydrogen peroxide molecules per second
- β’ When you pour hydrogen peroxide on a cut and see bubbling, that's catalase in your blood breaking it down into water and oxygen
- β’ Gray hair is partly caused by declining catalase levels β hydrogen peroxide builds up and bleaches hair from the inside
Data Sources
- β’ EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II entry 74
- β’ Enzyme kinetics literature on catalase (EC 1.11.1.6)
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
ETHYL LAUROYL ARGINATE HCL
CYCLOMETHICONE
CYCLOTETRASILOXANE
HYDROLYZED HAIR KERATIN
MYROXYLON PEREIRAE RESIN
BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CATALASE banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning CATALASE under II/74 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 CATALASE banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits CATALASE (II/74) 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 CATALASE used for in cosmetics?
CATALASE is primarily used for hair conditioning in cosmetic products. It also serves as skin conditioning - miscellaneous. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate CATALASE?
CATALASE is banned in EU, UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to CATALASE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on CATALASE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For hair conditioning, 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.