Toluene
A cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, solvent in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Benzene, methyl-
What does it do?
Toluene is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
-
Solvent
dissolves other ingredients into a uniform liquid phase
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Toluene is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 185). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Frequently asked questions
What is Toluene?
Toluene is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Benzene, methyl-
Is Toluene allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Toluene is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Toluene do in cosmetic products?
Toluene is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, solvent.
What is the CAS number of Toluene?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Toluene is 108-88-3.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010