Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Toluene

INCI: TOLUENE

CAS Number
108-88-3
Function
Solvent, antioxidant (in nail products)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 25%
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes CIR Expert Panel concluded safe in nail products up to 20% concentration

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
flam;flame; excl mark;warn; cancer;health haz; enviro;aqua
Hazard Statements
Highly flammable liquid and vapour May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways Causes skin irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child May cause damage to nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the skin. The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure at high levels could cause cardiac dysrhythmia and unconsciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. Exposure to the substance may increase noise-induced hearing loss. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development. May cause colour vision impairment.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

CMR category 2 (reproductive toxicant); neurotoxic at high concentrations; EU restricts to nail products only; requires adequate ventilation warnings

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

endocrine_disruptor prop65 fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toluene safe in cosmetics?

CMR category 2 (reproductive toxicant); neurotoxic at high concentrations; EU restricts to nail products only; requires adequate ventilation warnings The EU classifies Toluene as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Toluene allowed in the EU?

Toluene EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 25%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Toluene do in cosmetics?

Toluene functions as: Solvent, antioxidant (in nail products). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 108-88-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for Toluene?

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.

Is Toluene classified as hazardous under GHS?

Toluene carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways Causes skin irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child May cause damage to nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. 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 Toluene 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
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
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