Is Dichloromethane Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dichloromethane is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Dichloromethane. CAS 75-09-2.
Is Dichloromethane banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | aerosol hairspray (legacy) |
| CAS number | 75-09-2 |
What is Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane (Dichloromethane) is a chlorinated solvent (methylene chloride).
Why is Dichloromethane used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Dichloromethane dangerous? Documented risks
A probable carcinogen; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Dichloromethane
- aerosol hairspray (legacy)
How to avoid Dichloromethane: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Dichloromethane
Is Dichloromethane banned in the EU?
Dichloromethane is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Dichloromethane in US cosmetics?
Yes — Dichloromethane can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Dichloromethane?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dichloromethane automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Dichloromethane?
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.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.