Hydrogen peroxide

Similar term(s): dihydrogen dioxide, hydrogen dioxide, hydrogen oxide, oxydol, peroxide, H₂O₂.

Hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive chemical containing the elements hydrogen and oxygen.

Its structural formula is:

Pure hydrogen peroxide is a colourless liquid, but it is sold on the market as solutions in water, containing up to 33 – 37% pure hydrogen peroxide and other additives to stop the product decomposing.

Hydrogen peroxide is used as bleach or disinfectant in consumer products such as hair bleaches, hair perming products, hair relaxers, ear drops, antiseptic mouth washes, products to treat mouth sores, toothpastes, and tooth bleaching. It is also used in solutions for the disinfection of contact lenses and wounds

In industry, it is mainly used in the production of chemicals and bleaching of cellulose pulp and textiles. In Europe, 750 000 tonnes of hydrogen peroxide were produced in 1995.

Source: based on the GreenFacts Summary on Tooth Whiteners based on the SCCP opinion

GreenFacts Summary on Tooth Whiteners & Oral Hygiene Products containing hydrogen peroxide:

• 1. What is hydrogen peroxide and what is it used for?

Deutsch: Wasserstoffperoxid
Español: Peróxido de hidrógeno
Français: Peroxyde d’hydrogène

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