Methylene Glycol
AKA “Methanediol, dihydroxymethane, RefChem:156911, DTXCID50119292”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Methylene glycol
AKA: Methanediol, Dihydroxymethane, RefChem:156911, DTXCID50119292
Synthetic · Nail Conditioning · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Strengthens and hardens nails while helping to shape and sculpt them for a long-lasting manicure.
Formula
CH4O2
Mol. Weight
48.04
CAS #
463-57-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Nail Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Nail Sculpting
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Strengthens nails
Builds nail structure
Traditional Use
A synthetic compound developed as a formaldehyde releaser and preservative in cosmetics. Created to provide antimicrobial protection while being easier to handle than pure formaldehyde.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU/SCCS limit: 0.2% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1483/12
Regulatory Agencies
Amended safety assessment of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as used in cosmetics.
Boyer IJ, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2013
Amended Safety Assessment of Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Methylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methylene Glycol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR