Is Thimerosal vegetarian?
Thimerosal
Thimerosal, also known as thiomersal or merthiolate, is an organomercury compound used as an antiseptic and antifungal preservative, historically in vaccines and cosmetics. It contains a thiosalicylate moiety derived from ethylmercury and mercaptobenzoic acid.
| Also known as | Mercurate(1-), ethyl[2-mercaptobenzoato(2-)-O, S]-, sodium, Merthiolate, Thiomersal |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Thimerosal |
| CAS number | 54-64-8 |
| EC number | 200-210-4 |
| CosIng ID | 38582 |
| Last reviewed | 4 July 2026 |
An ingredient is considered vegetarian if it avoids components derived from killing an animal.
Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.