The FDA has issued a warning about several gel nail polish remover products that contain methylene chloride, a banned substance in cosmetics under U.S. law (21 CFR 700.19). Methylene chloride is a volatile chemical commonly used in industrial applications like paint stripping and metal cleaning. It poses serious health risks, including being linked to cancer in animals and potential harm to humans.

Even more concerning, this dangerous chemical is often not disclosed on product labels or is hidden under alternate names like dichloromethane or methyl bichloride.

Products tested by the FDA and found to contain methylene chloride include:

• AL’IVER® Nail Polish Quick Gel Remover – 77.1%
• AL’IVER® Professional MAGIC REMOVER – 83.6%
• AIBRIT Gel Nail Polish Remover – 92.7%
• BesTby Gel Nail Polish Remover – 87.1%

All were imported from China and tested in 2024