The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a warning regarding the health risks linked to certain gel nail polish removers. According to their findings, some of these products contain dangerously high levels of methylene chloride, a toxic industrial solvent that has been banned from cosmetics.

Identifying the Hazard: Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride, often referred to as dichloromethane or methyl bichloride, is a colorless and volatile liquid characterized by a sweet odor. This chemical is widely used in various industries, including paint removal, metal cleaning, and degreasing due to its effective solvent properties.

Extensive testing has indicated that methylene chloride poses significant health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects observed in laboratory animals. Concerns about its long-term impact on human health have led the FDA to prohibit its use in cosmetic products.

Recent FDA Findings

The FDA conducted tests on several gel nail polish remover products and discovered alarming concentrations of methylene chloride, with some samples containing up to 93% of the compound. Disturbingly, many of these products did not disclose methylene chloride on their ingredient labels, either omitting it entirely or categorizing it under less known names.

Guidance for Consumers

In light of these findings, the FDA urges consumers to halt the use of any gel nail polish removers suspected of containing methylene chloride. Individuals are encouraged to report any adverse effects or reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch program for further investigation.

To protect yourself and others, it is crucial to:

• Cease the use of any gel nail polish removers that you may have purchased recently.
• Review product ingredient lists thoroughly and be cautious of items that do not clearly disclose all their components.
• Stay informed by regularly checking updates from the FDA regarding cosmetic safety.