murphyMethylene Glycol
AKA: Methanediol, Dihydroxymethane, 463-57-0, CHEBI:48397
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from formaldehyde and methanol through a condensation reaction in synthetic chemistry. Produced by combining formaldehyde with methanol, yielding a stable glycol compound used in nail products.
Methanediol; formaldehyde hydrate
Formula
CH4O2
Mol. Weight
48.04
CAS #
463-57-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal / plus 2 case reports (CIR 582)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.8–3.5%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.2%
CIR reported use · 2011 survey
EU/SCCS limit: 0.2% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1483/12
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR