The ingredient, explained
Toluene
An experimental study directly tested toluene skin irritation.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Benzene, methyl-
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Antioxidant
- Limits oxidation, including deterioration of formulation ingredients. This label alone does not show a clinical antioxidant effect in skin.
- Solvent
- Dissolves other ingredients in a formula.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Human exposure research
Undiluted toluene affected water loss, with stronger effects when combined with detergent.
What this does not tell us
Concentrated exposure does not quantify finished-formula risk or establish benefit.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 10971328 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Review supplied candidate titles and available abstracts selectively for exact identity; targeted primary PubMed/publisher searches. This is not an exhaustive systematic review.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Human exposure research · n=20
Experimental irritant contact dermatitis due to cumulative epicutaneous exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate and toluene: single and concurrent application. ↗
The British journal of dermatology · 2000
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Benzene, methyl-
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- TOLUENE
- CAS registry number
- 108-88-3
- EC number
- 203-625-9
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026