MERCURY COMPOUNDS is graded F (Banned) by Expert·ING, based on FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under California AB 2762 (Banned).
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
Safety grade: F
Mercury compounds are chemical substances containing mercury, a metallic element. These ingredients have historically been used in some skincare products for their ability to kill bacteria and fungi.
Mercury compounds work as antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in cosmetic formulations and on the skin.
Graded using: FDA.
- FDA — Restricted
- California AB 2762 — Banned
- Sephora Clean — Prohibited
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to MERCURY COMPOUNDS
- CHLORPHENESIN — Grade B. Preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in formulations
- CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE — Grade B. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective against bacteria and fungi
- CHLORHEXIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE — Grade B**. Antimicrobial preservative with bactericidal properties for formula protection
- CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A. Quaternary ammonium compound with antimicrobial and preservative properties
Other Antimicrobial ingredients
- ALCOHOL — Grade A**
- C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE — Grade A
- BENZYL BENZOATE — Grade C
- CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT — Grade A
- HYDROGEN PEROXIDE — Grade C**
- CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A