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Styrene
AKA “Ethenylbenzene, Phenylethylene, Vinylbenzene, Styrol, Benzene, Cinnamene, Styrene monomer, Phenylethene”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Styrene
AKA: Ethenylbenzene, Phenylethylene, Vinylbenzene, Styrol, Benzene, Cinnamene, Styrene monomer, Phenylethene
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Safety Concern
Synthetic
Clean
Helps dissolve and blend other ingredients evenly throughout the formula, ensuring a smooth, consistent product texture.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H8
Mol. Weight
104.15
CAS #
100-42-5
Form
Liquid
State
Styrene monomer, stabilized appears as a clear colorless to dark liquid with an aromatic odor. Vapors heavier than air and irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Subject to polymerization. If th
See origin →
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Dissolves Ingredients
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
This is the CAS number for Styrene, a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon developed in the early 20th century. Used in cosmetic polymers and resins to create film-forming and texture-enhancing properties in modern formulations.
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
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Amended safety assessment of dodecylbenzenesulfonate, decylbenzenesulfonate, and tridecylbenzenesulfonate salts as used in cosmetics.
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2010
→
Amended safety assessment of dodecylbenzenesulfonate, decylbenzenesulfonate, and tridecylbenzenesulfonate salts as used in cosmetics.
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2010
→
Amended safety assessment of dodecylbenzenesulfonate, decylbenzenesulfonate, and tridecylbenzenesulfonate salts as used in cosmetics.
Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2010
→
Amended Safety Assessment of Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Decylbenzenesulfonate, and Tridecylbenzenesulfonate as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate/TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate/Sodium Decylbenzenesulfonate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium m-Nitrobenzenesulfonate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of 1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Styrene and Vinyl-type Copolymers as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ammonium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ammonium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ammonium Styrene/Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Lauryl Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Butyl Acrylate/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
C4-6 Olefin/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
C5-6 Olefin/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydrogenated Butadiene/Isoprene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydrogenated Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydrogenated Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Isobutylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Isopropylamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Magnesium Isododecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Methacrylic Acid/Styrene/VP Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Methylstyrene/Vinyltoluene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
MIPA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polystyrene
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polystyrene/Hydrogenated Polyisopentene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Potassium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Decylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium m-Nitrobenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Methacrylate/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Styrene/Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Lauryl Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Sodium Tridecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Acrylates/Dimethicone Acrylate Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Lauryl Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Methylstyrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/Stearyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/VA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Styrene/VP Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
TEA-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
1,2,4-Trihydroxybenzene
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Ammonium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Butyl Acrylate/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Butylene/ Ethylene/ Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Ethylene/ Propylene/ Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Styrene
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Styrene Isoprene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isopropylamine Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Methylstyrene/Vinyltoluene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
MIPA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Polystyrene
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Styrene/Stearyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
1-Methoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene and its salts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
1-Methoxy-2,5-diaminobenzene and their salts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Benzene
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Cobalt benzenesulfonate
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Nitrobenzene
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Topical application of Artemisia annua L. essential oil ameliorates 2,4-dintrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice.
Huang Z, Fan B, Mao W, Kuai L, Feng J et al.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2024
→
1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene induces stress granule formation and causes DNA damage in human keratinocytes.
Jung DM, Kwon E, Choi S, Kim KK
Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA, 2023
→
In vivo depigmentation by hydroxybenzene derivatives.
Menter JM, Etemadi AA, Chapman W, Hollins TD, Willis I
Melanoma research, 1993
→
Long-Chain Acyl Carnitines Aggravate Polystyrene Nanoplastics-Induced Atherosclerosis by Upregulating MARCO.
Wang B, Liang B, Huang Y, Li Z, Zhang B et al.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2023
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR