FDA Finds Methylene Chloride in Nail Polish Removers from China

On Jan. 20, 2026, the US FDA posted information about gel nail polish removers that contain methylene chloride, a prohibited ingredient, on its “Health Fraud Scams” page.

In lab testing, the impacted products contained between 78 – 94.4%. All were made in China.

Testing Method

Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector was used to determine the weight-by-weight percent of methylene chloride. The results reported are the average of three preparations from the same lot of nail polish remover, according to FDA.

Here is the list of impacted products found with methylene chloride, and the content level average, during the 2025 testing process:

• Nifeishi Nail Polish Gel Remover, 78.0%
• Born Pretty Magic Gel Remover, 90.0%
• Candy Lover Gel Polish Remover, 88.8%
• Eellhoe Magic Remover, 89.1%
• Morovan Gel Nail Polish Remover, 89.4%
• Gellen Time to Shine Nail Removal Kit, 94.4%

The page also included polish remover products found with methylene chloride during 2024 testing.