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Answer: Yes — Nitromusks (musk xylene) 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: perfume, cologne.
TL;DR: Nitromusks (musk xylene) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Musk Xylene. CAS 81-15-2.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | perfume, cologne |
| CAS number | 81-15-2 |
Nitromusks (musk xylene) (Musk Xylene) is a synthetic musk fragrance.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Persistent and bioaccumulative endocrine disruptor; banned in EU cosmetics.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Nitromusks (musk xylene)with 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.
Nitromusks (musk xylene) is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
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.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Nitromusks (musk xylene) automatically.
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 →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.