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Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide suppliers and sourcing guide

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, colorless oxidizer sold as an aqueous solution. Nearly all of it is made by the anthraquinone process, in which an alkylanthraquinone is hydrogenated and then oxidized with air, releasing hydrogen peroxide that is extracted with water and concentrated. Brands buy stabilized solutions, often 35% or 50%, and dilute them for hair developers, tooth whitening products and cleansing products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Hydrogen dioxide · H2O2 · CAS 7722-84-1
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of hydrogen peroxide

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic or technical solutions

    Stabilized solutions at 30 to 50% for hair color developers and dilution in-house; stabilizer type should be on the specification.

  • Food grade

    Solutions meeting Food Chemicals Codex specifications, with lower stabilizer and metal levels.

  • Pharmacopeial (USP) solution

    Dilute topical solution, usually about 3%, made to a USP monograph.

  • Peroxide sources

    Solid carriers such as carbamide peroxide or sodium percarbonate that release hydrogen peroxide; these are separate ingredients.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Hydrogen peroxide content by permanganate or ceric titration, the basis for dilution and labeling.
Stabilizers
Stannate, phosphate or other stabilizer levels as declared by the supplier.
Free acid and pH
Acidity as sulfuric acid or pH, which affects stability and finished product pH.
Nonvolatile residue
Residue after evaporation, which flags stabilizer and dissolved solids.
Heavy metals and iron
Iron, lead and other metals by ICP; metals speed decomposition.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep hydrogen peroxide in its vented original containers (HDPE or passivated aluminum or stainless), cool, out of sunlight and away from metals, organics and reducing agents. Never return unused material to the original drum, because contamination causes decomposition and pressure build-up. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and assay should be rechecked on older stock since concentration falls over time.

Lots and expiry dates

Record actual assay and stabilizer content for each lot, and adjust dilutions to the measured strength. Note container venting and storage temperature, and use older lots first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1366 identifies hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1), requires it to meet Food Chemicals Codex specifications, and allows its use to treat food only within listed limits, such as in milk for cheesemaking.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist restricts hydrogen peroxide and other peroxide-generating compounds: they are not permitted in products applied to the genital area, and an oral cosmetic above 3% hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent) requires a study showing salivary peroxide levels do not exceed 3%.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Hydrogen peroxide suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking hydrogen peroxide suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell hydrogen peroxide? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of hydrogen peroxide can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic or technical solutions, food grade, pharmacopeial (USP) solution and peroxide sources. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for hydrogen peroxide include?

Expect assay, stabilizers, free acid and pH, nonvolatile residue and heavy metals and iron, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should hydrogen peroxide be stored?

Keep hydrogen peroxide in its vented original containers (HDPE or passivated aluminum or stainless), cool, out of sunlight and away from metals, organics and reducing agents. Never return unused material to the original drum, because contamination causes decomposition and pressure build-up. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and assay should be rechecked on older stock since concentration falls over time.

What is the regulatory status of hydrogen peroxide?

21 CFR 184.1366 identifies hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1), requires it to meet Food Chemicals Codex specifications, and allows its use to treat food only within listed limits, such as in milk for cheesemaking. Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist restricts hydrogen peroxide and other peroxide-generating compounds: they are not permitted in products applied to the genital area, and an oral cosmetic above 3% hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent) requires a study showing salivary peroxide levels do not exceed 3%.

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