Beauty · Carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants

Is Methanol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Methanol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).

INCI name Methanol. CAS 67-56-1.

Is Methanol banned in the EU?

EU status	Restricted
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	hand sanitizer (contaminant), denatured alcohol products
CAS number	67-56-1

Methanol (Methanol) is a toxic alcohol sometimes present as a denaturant or contaminant.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

Acutely toxic causing blindness; the EU strictly limits it.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Methanol banned in the EU?

Methanol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Methanol in US cosmetics?

Yes — Methanol 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 Methanol?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Methanol automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Methanol?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Methanol.

Is Methanol in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Methanol or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.