TOLUENE is graded F** (Banned) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under California AB 2762 (Banned).
TOLUENE
Safety grade: F**
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid derived from petroleum or coal tar that has a strong chemical smell. It's commonly used in industrial products and was historically found in some nail polishes and paint products.
In cosmetics, toluene acts as a solvent to dissolve and mix other ingredients together, and helps preserve products by preventing oxidation.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- California AB 2762 — Banned
- Sephora Clean — Prohibited
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to TOLUENE
- PROPYLENE GLYCOL — Grade A**. Humectant solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients like toluene does
- BUTYLENE GLYCOL — Grade A. Glycol solvent that dissolves ingredients and controls product viscosity
- TOCOPHEROL — Grade A. Natural antioxidant that prevents oxidation and product degradation
- ALCOHOL — Grade A**. Alcohol solvent that dissolves and mixes cosmetic ingredients effectively
Other Antioxidant ingredients
- TOCOPHERYL ACETATE — Grade A
- BHT — Grade C**
- ASCORBYL PALMITATE — Grade A
- HYDROXYACETOPHENONE — Grade A
- PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE — Grade A
- ASCORBIC ACID — Grade A
- CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT — Grade A