Methylene Glycol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Methanediol, Dihydroxymethane, 463-57-0, CHEBI:48397
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Methanediol; formaldehyde hydrate
Formula
CH4O2
Mol. Weight
48.04
CAS #
463-57-0
Form
Liquid
Functions
Nail Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Nail Sculpting
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Strengthens nails
Builds nail structure
Traditional Use
A synthetic compound developed as a formaldehyde releaser and preservative in cosmetics. Created to provide antimicrobial protection while being easier to handle than pure formaldehyde.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU/SCCS limit: 0.2% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1483/12
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR