Is Methyl methacrylate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Methyl methacrylate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Methyl Methacrylate. CAS 80-62-6.
Is Methyl methacrylate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | acrylic nails |
| CAS number | 80-62-6 |
What is Methyl methacrylate?
Methyl methacrylate (Methyl Methacrylate) is a monomer in acrylic nail products.
Why is Methyl methacrylate used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Methyl methacrylate dangerous? Documented risks
A sensitizer banned for cosmetic nail use in the EU and many US states.
Products that may contain Methyl methacrylate
How to avoid Methyl methacrylate: 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 Methyl methacrylate
Is Methyl methacrylate banned in the EU?
Methyl methacrylate is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Methyl methacrylate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Methyl methacrylate 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 Methyl methacrylate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Methyl methacrylate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Methyl methacrylate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Methyl methacrylate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Methyl methacrylate 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.