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Answer: Yes — Dichloromethane is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: aerosol hairspray (legacy).
TL;DR: Dichloromethane is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Dichloromethane. CAS 75-09-2.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | aerosol hairspray (legacy) |
| CAS number | 75-09-2 |
Dichloromethane (Dichloromethane) is a chlorinated solvent (methylene chloride).
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
A probable carcinogen; banned in EU cosmetics.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Dichloromethanewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Dichloromethane is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Dichloromethane can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dichloromethane automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Dichloromethane.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dichloromethane or other ingredients banned overseas.
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