Cobalt Chloride — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile

Name: Is Cobalt Chloride Safe? Allergy Risk & Alternatives
Creator: SkinDetekt

INCI: COBALT CHLORIDE

Also known as: Cobalt, CI 77520

🔴 High Risk

Key Facts

CAS Number: 7646-79-9
Category: colorant
Risk Level: high
Common Allergen: Yes
EU Status: Restricted
Found In: hair dye, tattoo ink, eyeshadow

Is Cobalt Chloride safe in cosmetics?

Cobalt Chloride is rated high risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Often co-sensitizes with nickel. Found in blue/green cosmetic pigments. This ingredient is restricted under EU cosmetic regulations. Safer alternatives include Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in hair dye, tattoo ink, eyeshadow.

What is Cobalt Chloride?

Metal allergen commonly co-occurring with nickel allergy.

Allergy & Safety Information

Cobalt Chloride is classified as a high-risk ingredient. It is a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis. It is restricted or regulated in the EU. Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies should avoid products containing this ingredient. A patch test is recommended before first use of any product containing Cobalt Chloride.

This ingredient is classified as high risk from an allergenicity perspective. It is a recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis with a relatively high sensitisation rate in patch-tested populations. People with a history of skin reactions to cosmetics, or with conditions such as eczema or sensitive skin, should exercise particular caution.

Allergen Note: Often co-sensitizes with nickel. Found in blue/green cosmetic pigments.

About Colorant / Pigment Ingredients

Colorants are used in makeup and some skincare products to provide colour. Inorganic colorants (iron oxides, ultramarines, chromium oxides) and organic dyes (CI numbers) are regulated by cosmetic authorities for purity and safety. Iron oxides naturally contain trace metal impurities including nickel, which can cause reactions in nickel-sensitised individuals.

Relevance for Cobalt Chloride: Coal tar dyes (FD&C and D&C numbers) are more likely to cause reactions than inorganic mineral pigments. Azo dyes can release aromatic amines upon degradation. Metallic and shimmer pigments (mica, bismuth oxychloride) may contain trace nickel contamination.

How to Identify Cobalt Chloride in Products

Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Cobalt Chloride, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.

Product types to prioritise checking: Hair dye, Tattoo ink, Eyeshadow. These product categories are the most common sources of Cobalt Chloride exposure based on formulation data.

Not sure if your products contain Cobalt Chloride? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Cobalt Chloride and other allergens automatically.