An inorganic peroxide that releases hydrogen peroxide, regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Calcium peroxide is CaO2, an inorganic peroxide that releases hydrogen peroxide on contact with water. CosIng lists it as an oxidising ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) that applies to hydrogen peroxide and compounds releasing it.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products, such as oral care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits, conditions and warnings, which depend on the product type and are expressed as hydrogen peroxide present or released.
Functions
- Oxidising
- Changing the chemical nature of another ingredient by adding oxygen (or removing hydrogen).
EU regulation
- Product type
- (a) Hair products (b) Skin products (c) Nail hardening products (d) Oral products, including mouth rinse, tooth paste and tooth whitening or bleaching products (e) Tooth whitening or bleaching products (f) Products intended for eyelashes
- Maximum concentration
- (a) 12 % of H2O2 (40 volumes), present or released (b) 4 % of H2O2, present or released (c) 2 % of H2O2, present or released (d) ≤ 0,1 % of H2O2, present or released (e) > 0,1 % ≤ 6 % of H2O2, present or released (f) 2 % of H2O2, present or released
- Conditions and warnings
- (a) (f) Wear suitable gloves (a) (b) (c) (e) Contains hydrogen peroxide Avoid contact with eyes Rinse immediately if product comes into contact with them. (e) Concentration of H2O2 present or released indicated in percentage. Not to be used on a person under 18 years of age. To be only sold to dental practitioners. For each cycle of use, the first use to be only done by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision if an equivalent level of safety is ensured. Afterwards to be provided to the consumer to complete the cycle of use. f) To be printed on the label: ‘For professional use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. Contains hydrogen peroxide
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2019/831