6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide? (2024)

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6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide? (1)

Source document:
SCCP (2007)

Summary & Details:
GreenFacts (2007)

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6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide?

  • 6.1 How are hydrogen peroxide solutions classified and labelled?
  • 6.2 How safe are oral hygiene products and toothwhiteners?

6.1 How are hydrogen peroxide solutions classified and labelled?

Solutions containing more than 5% hydrogen peroxide are labelled “harmful”.

In addition solutions containing:

  • 5 – 8% hydrogen peroxide are labelled “Irritating to eyes”,
  • more than 8% are labelled "Harmful if swallowed" and “Risk of serious damage to eyes”,
  • more than 35% have an additional label “Irritating to respiratory system and skin”,
  • higher concentrations are in addition labelled “Causes burn”.

No labelling is required in EU for hydrogen peroxide solutions of less than 5%.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is only “limited” evidence of carcinogenicity of hydrogen peroxide in experimental animals.

It has therefore classified hydrogen peroxide as “unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans”. More...

6.2 How safe are oral hygiene products and toothwhiteners?

The risk of effects of oral hygiene products and toothwhiteners containing hydrogen peroxide on the body as a whole is low, because the substance is rapidly broken down. However, in animals repeatedly exposed to higher doses adverse effects have been observed. In addition, there are concerns about direct, more localised, effects like irritation in the mouth and in the gastrointestinal system after swallowing.

In the European Union, oral hygiene products are regulated by the Cosmetics Directive and they may only be sold freely to consumers if they contain no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.

In the case of toothpastes and mouth rinses the exposure times are short and risks to humans can be assessed by comparing human exposures to the highest exposure at which no harmful effects were observed in any animal studies: 20 mg/kg body weight per day (NOAEL). The ratio between the two is the margin of safety for general effects on the body.

  • For toothpastes and mouthrinses containing 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, the calculated margin of safety of repeated dose toxicity (2500 and 400 respectively) is considered to give sufficient protection. A margin of safety of 2500 means that the calculated exposure of humans using the product is 2500 times lower than the exposure level at which no harmful effects were observed in any animal study.

In the case of tooth whitening products the exposure times are longer. The assessment of the safety of tooth whitening products is based both on calculations of a margin of safety as well as consideration of possible immediate and long-term effects.

  • For tooth whitening products containing 6% of hydrogen peroxide, the calculated margin of safety for repeated dose toxicity (100) is on the borderline of that considered to give sufficient protection.
  • For tooth whitening products containing more than 6% of hydrogen peroxide, the margin of safety will be below 100, and they are thus not considered safe.

In order to carry out a robust risk assessment there is a need for long-term and independent clinical data and long-term epidemiological studies in order to evaluate possible adverse effects in the mouth linked to the use of tooth whitening products.

Although the majority of the products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, other chemicals such as sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, and potassium peroxymonosulphate may be used. The later chemicals are should be assessed and regulated in a similar way as hydrogen peroxide on the basis of hydrogen peroxide or reactive oxygen products released.

SCCP’s 6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide? (2)"Guidance document on Epidemiological and clinical studies on Tooth Whitening Products" More...

The Three-Level Structure used to communicate this SCCP Opinion is copyrighted by GreenFacts asbl/vzw

6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide? (2024)

FAQs

6. How safe are products containing hydrogen peroxide? ›

Diluted hydrogen peroxide products, which typically contain about 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, are safe for regular household use. Hydrogen peroxide in more concentrated forms, for example solutions that contain 30 percent hydrogen peroxide, can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Is 6% hydrogen peroxide safe? ›

In addition solutions containing: 5 – 8% hydrogen peroxide are labelled “Irritating to eyes” (R36), more than 8% are labelled "Harmful if swallowed" and “Risk of serious damage to eyes” (R22-41), more than 35% have an additional label “Irritating to respiratory system and skin”, higher concentrations are in addition ...

Why is hydrogen peroxide no longer recommended? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is not an effective treatment because it actually irritates the skin and inhibits wound healing. The advice about using it has changed because new research shows that the irritation it causes is not worth the antiseptic effect.”

What products contain hydrogen peroxide? ›

Products Containing Hydrogen Peroxide
  • antiperspirant/deodorant (2)
  • baby shampoo (2)
  • baby soap (2)
  • beard care (1)
  • body wash/cleanser (6)
  • conditioner (5)
  • facial moisturizer/treatment (1)
  • facial powder (1)

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for the environment? ›

Unlike many chemicals, hydrogen peroxide is entirely natural and occurs in rainwater, snow, and even the human body. It decomposes to only water and oxygen, making it an environmentally friendly product. This unique property makes it valuable in times of increased environmental awareness.

Is 6 hydrogen peroxide safe for skin? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes at high concentrations (>10%); lower concentrations may cause irritation.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe? ›

How can hydrogen peroxide affect my health? Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. Inhalation of household strength hydrogen peroxide (3%) can cause respiratory irritation. Exposure to household strength hydrogen peroxide can cause mild ocular irritation.

Why did hospitals stop using hydrogen peroxide? ›

Therefore, hydrogen peroxide will destroy healthy cells, making them unable to participate in the wound recovery process. Today, the growing medical industry has a lot of options to clean the wound with different solutions, so using hydrogen peroxide is no longer the optimal choice.

What is a safer alternative to hydrogen peroxide? ›

But when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting, there is one hydrogen peroxide substitute that wins, and that is hypochlorous acid. It sounds scary when said like that, but is it? The fact is our bodies produce hypochlorous acid!

What should you not use hydrogen peroxide for? ›

The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area.This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

What are the side effects of hydrogen peroxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can also exert a direct cytotoxic effect via lipid peroxidation. Ingestion of hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with nausea, vomiting, haematemesis and foaming at the mouth; the foam may obstruct the respiratory tract or result in pulmonary aspiration.

Is hydrogen peroxide a toxic byproduct? ›

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is unique among general toxins, because it is stable in abiotic environments at ambient temperature and neutral pH, yet rapidly kills any type of cells by producing highly-reactive hydroxyl radicals.

Is hydrogen peroxide just bleach? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical product made up of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O2). Hydrogen peroxide is also an oxidising disinfectant that is capable of killing bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi and more. Although not commonly referred to as “bleach” hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common bleaching agents.

Is hydrogen peroxide harmful to living things? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing chemical found in many households and industrial settings. It is generally safe at household concentrations (usually about 3%) but can be dangerous if used inappropriately. Industrial concentrations (usually up to 70%) can cause significant mortality and mortality.

Can you use peroxide on teeth? ›

When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage. If you choose to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, do so cautiously.

What precautions should be taken when using hydrogen peroxide? ›

Concentrated vapors cause discomfort in the mucous membranes and the eyes. Contact of the eyes with hydrogen peroxide is particularly dangerous because corneal burns can occur very rapidly. Therefore, safety glasses or, preferably, goggles should always be worn when handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide.

What are the risks of 6 hydrogen peroxide? ›

H302: Harmful if swallowed. H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H332: Harmful if inhaled.

Can you use 6% hydrogen peroxide on teeth? ›

In accordance with EU law, over the counter home whitening kits in the UK contain too little hydrogen peroxide (0.1%) to noticeably lighten the teeth. The legal limit for a dentist to use is between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide.

How long should you wear 6% hydrogen peroxide? ›

Recommended wear time is 1.5 hours per day for 6% Hydrogen Peroxide. Wear time of 3 to 4 hours per day for the Hybrid Pro, and 6 hours, but better overnight, for 10% and 16% Carbamide Peroxide. After whitening brush teeth. Clean your whitening trays with cool water and a soft toothbrush.

What is hydrogen peroxide 6% used for? ›

For use as a mild disinfectant for minor cuts, wounds and skin ulcers or as a mouthwash and gargle. For skin disinfection: Adults, the elderly and children: Dilute a portion of the peroxide with an equal amount of water.

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