Is Nitromusks (musk xylene) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Nitromusks (musk xylene) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Musk Xylene. CAS 81-15-2.
Is Nitromusks (musk xylene) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | perfume, cologne |
| CAS number | 81-15-2 |
What is Nitromusks (musk xylene)?
Nitromusks (musk xylene) (Musk Xylene) is a synthetic musk fragrance.
Why is Nitromusks (musk xylene) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Nitromusks (musk xylene) dangerous? Documented risks
Persistent and bioaccumulative endocrine disruptor; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Nitromusks (musk xylene)
- perfume
- cologne
How to avoid Nitromusks (musk xylene): 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 Nitromusks (musk xylene)
Is Nitromusks (musk xylene) banned in the EU?
Nitromusks (musk xylene) is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Nitromusks (musk xylene) in US cosmetics?
Yes — Nitromusks (musk xylene) 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 Nitromusks (musk xylene)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Nitromusks (musk xylene) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Nitromusks (musk xylene)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Nitromusks (musk xylene).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Nitromusks (musk xylene) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.