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NEVER MADEWITH
METHYL CELLOSOLVE/
2-METHOXYETHANOL
WHAT METHYL CELLOSOLVE/2-METHOXYETHANOL (2-ME) IS
Methyl cellosolve/2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is a compound used mainly as a solvent (which is used to dissolve other ingredients). Methyl cellosolve/2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is a clear, colorless liquid.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM + WHY MADEWITH DOESN’T ALLOW THEM
You can find methyl cellosolve/2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) in fragrances (which can be found in skincare, hair care and many other beauty products). We have added it to our Never MadeWith list due to its link to skin irritation and possible links to problems in the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys, and liver.
WHERE THEY’RE BANNED OR RESTRICTED
Methyl Cellosolve is restricted in Canada. The level of restriction is available on The Government of Canada’s “Hotlist” of ingredients of banned/restricted cosmetic ingredients. It is also under heavily restricted use in the EU and the UK.
ECHA (The European Chemicals Agency) states the following about 2-ME: “the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations identifies that this substance may damage fertility or the unborn child and causes damage to organs.” [3]
WHERE WE'RE GETTING OUR INFORMATION
[1] NJ Department Of Health. (2002). https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1211.pdf
[2] The Government Of Canada. CAS Registry Number 109-86-4. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/2-methoxyethanol.html
[3] EUROPEAN CHEMICALS AGENCY. (2019). https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.003.377
[4] WHO. Philip Copestake, Toxicology Advice & Consulting Ltd, Surrey, United Kingdom. (2009). https://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/methoxyethanol.pdf
[5] The Government of Canada. “Hotlist”, ingredients that have been restricted for cosmetic products. (2019). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-hotlist-prohibited-restricted-ingredients/hotlist.html#tbl2
