Toluene
Decode Label flags Toluene as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (neurotoxin). It appears in 1 of the 893 published products we have analysed (0.1%).
The concern
Solvent in nail products — neurotoxin; avoid during pregnancy
Toluene is a solvent used in nail polishes and nail polish removers. Inhalation causes nervous system effects including dizziness, headache, and nausea. Chronic exposure is linked to neurological damage. It crosses the placenta and is associated with developmental problems. Pregnant women should avoid toluene-containing nail products.
Most relevant to
How common it is in this catalogue
Measured across every product Decode Label has analysed — not estimated, and not taken from anyone else's dataset.
By category
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Restricted CMR | Annex III 185 | Nail products max 25% | View → |
Identity
- Canonical name
- Toluene
- INCI name
- TOLUENE
- CAS number
- 108-88-3
- EC number
- 203-625-9
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Toluene safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 permits Toluene in cosmetics only within set limits (Annex III, entry 185). Why it is flagged: Solvent in nail products — neurotoxin; avoid during pregnancy. Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It appears in 1 of the 893 published products we have analysed (0.1%).
How common is Toluene in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label found Toluene in 1 of 893 published products (0.1%), most often in Bath & Body.
Is Toluene restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Toluene has 1 restricted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Toluene?
People who are pregnant; Anyone using this regularly.
Products containing Toluene
1 published product, each with its own full analysis.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.