Toluene
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Methylbenzene, Toluol, 108-88-3, Phenylmethane, Methacide, Methylbenzol, Antisal 1a, Benzene
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Solvent
Not Clean
Toluene is added to gasoline, used to produce benzene, and used as a solvent. Exposure to toluene may occur from breathing ambient or indoor air affected by such sources. The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target organ for toluene toxicity in both humans and animals for acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures. CNS dysfunction and narcosis have been frequently observed in humans acutely exposed to elevated airborne levels of toluene; symptoms include fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, and nausea. CNS depression has been reported to occur in chronic abusers exposed to high levels of toluene. Chronic inhalation exposure of humans to toluene also causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, sore throat, dizziness, and headache. Human studies have reported developmental effects, such as CNS dysfunction, attention deficits, and minor craniofacial and limb anomalies, in the children of pregnant women exposed to high levels of toluene or mixed solvents by i
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C7H8
Mol. Weight
92.14
CAS #
108-88-3
Form
Liquid
State
Toluene appears as a clear colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. Flash point 40 °F. Less dense than water (7.2 lb / gal) and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier t
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Neutralizes free radicals
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
A synthetic aromatic solvent that became widely used in nail polish formulations in the 20th century. Originally derived from coal tar, it was adopted for its ability to dissolve resins and provide smooth application.
EWG
9
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
25%
0%35%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 25%. Keep out of reach of children. To be used by adults only Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 185.
Regulatory Agencies
🧂Conflict of interest.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR