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ProhibitedOfficial guidanceCAOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Methoxyethanol

Canada Hotlist: Methoxyethanol

Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.

All Canada recordsCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Official guidance
Regulatory summary
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions and restrictions
A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. Open the cited source and apply the market-wide requirements below.

Substance identity

Official source name
Methoxyethanol
CAS
109-86-4
EC
Not supplied in this source row
Identity mapping
standalone:cas_number
Search this identity across the siteCAS 109-86-4

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

10 market datasets
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 109-86-4
CAS 109-86-4PubChem CID 8019

Verified chemistry for CAS 109-86-4

2-Methoxyethanol

2-methoxyethanol is a hydroxyether that is ethanol substituted by a methoxy group at position 2. It has a role as a solvent and a protic solvent. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
2-methoxyethanol
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
Molecular weight
76.09 g/mol
Exact mass
76.052429494 Da
Monoisotopic mass
76.052429494 Da
XLogP3
-0.8
Topological polar surface area
29.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
14.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
2
Heavy atoms
5
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

Methyl cellosolveEthylene glycol monomethyl etherEthanol, 2-methoxy-Methyl oxitol2-Methoxy-1-ethanolDowanol EMMethylglykolEGME
16 more reported names
Methoxyhydroxyethane3-Oxa-1-butanolMonomethyl glycolGlycol ether EMPristGlycol monomethyl ether1-Hydroxy-2-methoxyethaneJeffersol EMMECSMetil cellosolve2-MetossietanoloAmsco-Solv EE2-Methoxy-aethanolMethylcelosolvmethylcellosolveMetoksyetylowy alkohol
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
3
3D rings
0
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
1
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
8
Effective 3D rotors
2.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
COCCO
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H8O2/c1-5-3-2-4/h4H,2-3H2,1H3
InChIKey
XNWFRZJHXBZDAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8019

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 127 (Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360FD: May damage fertility; May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P321, P330, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (97%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H302+H312+H332 (41.2%): Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]; H302 (96.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (97%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332 (94.5%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360 (93.8%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370 (10.6%): Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373 (14.1%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1202 reports by companies from 34 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 2-Methoxyethanol (2-ME) is a colorless liquid with ether-like odor. It is used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, natural and synthetic resins, some alcohol-soluble dyes; in nail polishes, quick-drying varnishes and enamels, and wood stains. It is also used as a as a jet fuel de-icer. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract and may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Exposure at high levels could cause unconsciousness. The liquid defats the skin. Two non-fatal cases of poisoning by consuming 100 mL 2-ME in men aged 41 and 23 were reported. In addition to agitation and confusion, the predominant clinical features were nausea, cyanosis, hyperventilation, slight tachycardia, and metabolic acidosis. In one patient there were suggestions of moderate kidney failure. No evidence of liver damage was found and both patients recovered within 4 weeks. Chronic poisonings from vapors lead to toxic encephalopathy and evidence of bone marrow depression without hemolysis. Lung, kidney and liver changes have been observed. It was found that individuals exposed in utero Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for 2-methyoxyethanol(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.77(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.77(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-methoxyethanol from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an environmental fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of 2-methoxyethanol from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.5 mm Hg(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.77(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methoxyethanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may occur(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 97 days and 700 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(7) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-methoxyethanol, which has a vapor pressure of 9.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-methoxyethanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 31 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.25X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). 2-Methoxyethanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Solvent; Absorbent; Humectant; Fuel agents; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: 2-Methoxyethanol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent for many different purposes, (e.g., varnishes, dyes, and resins) and as a jet deicing additive; [ACGIH] Used in the Asian microelectronics industry in photoresist formulations and in manufacturing copper-laminate circuit boards; [JOEM 2004;46:707-713] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For 2-methoxyethanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 042202) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent for nitrocellulose, ... solvent mixtures, lacquers, ... perfume fixative, ... jet fuel deicing additive. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent for low viscosity cellulose acetate, natural resins, some synthetic resins and some alc-sol dyes; in dyeing leather; sealing moisture-proof cellophane; in nail polishes, quick drying varnishes and enamels, wood stains. In modified Karl Fischer reagent. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for 2-METHOXYETHANOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Methyl cellosolve, is a clear and colorless liquid at room temperature mainly used as a solvent. It is used for many purposes including varnishes, dyes, resins, printing, finishing textile, and semiconductor manufacturing. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Source reference
Hotlist prohibited entry 314
Source record ID
prohibited:314
Source version
Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Source updated
2025-08-13
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:07 UTC
Validation method
strict HTML tables t1=490 and t2=90
SHA-256
8b52ff573d08373ee90121f6a701b3607e4a3d6fc748a7d56171eb53510af91a

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Administrative prohibitions, restrictions, conditions and warning requirements
Authority note
Official Health Canada compliance indicator; not a complete safety clearance
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

580
current Canada records
490
records marked Prohibited
580
records from this source version
516
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Prohibited: 490Restricted: 90

Condition text is present on 172 of 580 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Canada market context

Complete Hotlist snapshot

Coverage version: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, 13 August 2025

All prohibited and restricted Hotlist entries, including conditions and warning requirements published in the official list.

Verification checklist

  1. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  2. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  3. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  4. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Methoxyethanol” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  3. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  4. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  5. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECNot supplied
  • Separate condition textNot present in source row
  • Effective dateNot supplied
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope. Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

The record cites Hotlist prohibited entry 314, source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Methoxyethanol. Hotlist prohibited entry 314. Canada. Source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/ca/records/314/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Canada

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope.

Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

How to interpret the legal role

The authority uses this source as compliance guidance; the underlying legislation remains controlling.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Official guidance
  • Source version: Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13

What it does not prove

The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source