murphyMethylene Chloride
AKA: DICHLOROMETHANE, 75-09-2, Methylene dichloride, Methane, Methylene bichloride, Methane dichloride, Solaesthin, Solmethine, Narkotil
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from methane and chlorine, belonging to the chlorinated hydrocarbon chemical family. Produced through chlorination of methane gas using chlorine gas under controlled industrial conditions.
Methylene Chloride is a clear, colorless, nonflammable, volatile liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon with a sweet, pleasant smell and emits highly toxic fumes of phosgene when heated to decomposition. Methylene chloride is primarily used as a solvent in paint removers, but is also used in aerosol formulations, as a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, as a degreasing agent, in electronics manufacturing and as an ethane foam blowing agent. Inhalation exposure to this substance irritates the nose and throat and affects the central nervous system. Methylene chloride is a possible mutagen and is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)
Solubility 10 to 50 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
CH2Cl2
Mol. Weight
84.93
CAS #
75-09-2
Form
Liquid
State
Dichloromethane appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet, penetrating, ether-like odor. Noncombustible by if exposed to high temperatures may emit toxic chloride fumes. Vapors are narcotic in high c
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
Functions
Viscosity Controlling
Dissolves Ingredients
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Wound Healing
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 151)
Skin Irritant in Testing
4 studies / 4 irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 151)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions moderate / plus 1 case report (CIR 151)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 35%
EU regulatory limit: 35.0%. 35% (when mixed with 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, total concentration must not exceed 35%) Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 7.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR