Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

Methylene Chloride

INCI: DICHLOROMETHANE

CAS Number
75-09-2
Function
solvent and propellant in aerosol cosmetic products, particularly hair sprays
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes CIR initially concluded safe for brief, discontinuous use only; FDA prohibition supersedes the CIR conclusion

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Methylene Chloride. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 55 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 236 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 236 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 500 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 100 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 166 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1911 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 238 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
LOAEL 50 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
skull;toxic; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed Fatal if inhaled Causes skin and eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Causes damage to central nervous system, blood, liver, the heart and lungs May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways Causes damage to the central nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled May cause cancer
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, liver, heart and lungs. Exposure could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This may result in impaired functions. Exposure at high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness and death. The effects may be delayed.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir Number 6, 1988
Verdict: unknown

Expert Verdict

Methylene Chloride is prohibited in cosmetics in both the EU and US due to safety and health concerns.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

EU Restricted prop65 eu_banned_cosmetics fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methylene Chloride safe in cosmetics?

Methylene Chloride is prohibited in cosmetics in both the EU and US due to safety and health concerns. The EU classifies Methylene Chloride as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is Methylene Chloride allowed in the EU?

Methylene Chloride EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methylene Chloride do in cosmetics?

Methylene Chloride functions as: solvent and propellant in aerosol cosmetic products, particularly hair sprays. It is classified as a Cosmetic Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 75-09-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methylene Chloride?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Methylene Chloride?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Methylene Chloride is 55 mg/kg bw/day based on a Carcinogenicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Methylene Chloride classified as hazardous under GHS?

Methylene Chloride carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed Fatal if inhaled Causes skin and eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Causes damage to central nervous system, blood, liver, the heart and lungs May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways Causes damage to the central nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled May cause cancer. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Methylene Chloride compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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