Camphor
A cosmetic ingredient used as denaturant, fragrance, plasticiser in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone; Bornan-2-one
What does it do?
Camphor is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
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Plasticiser
adds flexibility to film-forming polymers, e.g. in nail polish or mascara
EU regulatory status
Camphor is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Camphor?
Camphor is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone; Bornan-2-one
Is Camphor allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Camphor is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Camphor do in cosmetic products?
Camphor is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: denaturant, fragrance, plasticiser.
What is the CAS number of Camphor?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Camphor is 464-49-3 / 76-22-2.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010