Common Name(s): King cobra venom,king cobra venom,prohibited toxic substance,ophiophagus hannah venom — not cosmetic
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Prohibited in eu cosmetics. king cobra venom contains acutely toxic proteins with ld50 ~1.8 mg/kg sc in mice — the neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and phospholipase a2 activities present unacceptable safety risks at any cosmetically relevant concentration.
Why It's Used: Venom proteins cannot be safety-assessed for cosmetic use — the ld50 classification as an acutely toxic substance (category 1-3) and irreversible pharmacological mechanism (covalent nachr modification) preclude cosmetic classification.
How It Works: King cobra alpha-bungarotoxin-type three-finger toxin: covalent disulfide-locked binding to nachr — unlike cobrotoxin which is reversible, some cobra venom neurotoxins bind quasi-irreversibly providing extended neuromuscular blockade. cytotoxins: direct membrane lytic activity at low concentrations. pla2: inflammatory phospholipid hydrolysis. combined: unacceptable risk profile.
Typically Found In: Prohibited in cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Prohibited
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - species, slaughter status, and synthetic-versus-animal confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: animal origin; may also be a synthetic bearing a legacy animal name. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Regulatory classification: exotic venom ingredients require safety assessment under article 10 of eu regulation 1223/2009. the acute toxicity profile of king cobra venom would preclude approval as a cosmetic ingredient in all major markets.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Eu regulation 1223/2009,king cobra venom toxicology safety review