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Ingredient dossier · No. 019

Toluene

Also: methylbenzene · phenylmethane · toluol


Avoidknown reproductive toxicant; restricted in EU cosmetics and listed under California Prop 65.


01 · Hormonal impact

Testosterone & hormonal load

Evidence
ModerateAnimal studies with mechanistic evidence

Toluene is a solvent with well-documented reproductive toxicity. Chronic occupational exposure is associated with menstrual irregularities in women and impaired spermatogenesis and fertility in men. Animal studies show reduced testosterone and testicular atrophy at high doses. Its use in cosmetics is restricted and it appears primarily in nail products and some hair dyes.


02 · Where it appears

Found in.

01Some nail polishes and nail polish removers
02Some hair dyes (professional formulations)
03Fragrance solvents (rarely)

03 · The regulators

Two jurisdictions, two different verdicts.

European Union

Banned in cosmetics under EU Regulation EC 1223/2009, Annex II, entry 1040.

United States · FDA

No ban in cosmetics, though FDA advises avoiding nail products with toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP during pregnancy. Listed under California Prop 65 as a reproductive toxicant.


04 · Sources

The receipts.

  1. [01]
    EU Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH) — Toluene reproductive hazard classification
    echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.656
  2. [02]
    California Prop 65 — Toluene (developmental toxicant)
    oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/toluene
  3. [03]
    ATSDR — Toluene Toxicological Profile
    www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp56.pdf

05 · Related dossiers
01PhthalatesD · 12
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