What It Is: Formaldehyde is a colourless, pungent gas—a known preservative and disinfectant. It’s a natural by-product in some processes, but in cosmetics, it’s usually there on purpose (or accidentally) to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.
How It Gets In Cosmetics:
Rarely added as pure formaldehyde anymore due to regulations—it’s too harsh.
Releasers: More common are “formaldehyde releasers”—chemicals like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea. These break down over time, slowly releasing formaldehyde to keep products fresh.
Contamination: Can form as a byproduct in some formulations (e.g., from heating or mixing certain ingredients)
Where You’ll Find It:
- Nail Polish: Hardens and preserves—check for “tosylamide/formaldehyde resin.”
- Hair Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and keratin treatments (especially older “Brazilian blowout” formulas).
- Body Washes & Soaps: Keeps bacteria at bay in liquid formulas.
- Makeup: Mascaras, foundations, or lotions with preservatives.
- Baby Products: Some wipes or lotions (yikes!).
Damage It Causes:
- Skin Irritation: Redness, itching, or allergic reactions—common at low levels (0.2%+).
- Cancer Risk: A Group 1 carcinogen (per WHO/IARC)—nasopharyngeal and leukemia links with prolonged exposure (e.g., inhalation from heated products).
- Respiratory Issues: Fumes from hair treatments or sprays can trigger asthma or headaches.
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Eye Damage: Stings and irritates if it gets in your peepers
In the UK (post-Brexit, aligned with EU rules), formaldehyde is restricted in cosmetics under the UK Cosmetics Regulation. It’s banned as a direct ingredient above 0.2% (and 0.1% in oral products), but releasers are allowed in tiny amounts (up to 0.5%) with a “contains formaldehyde” warning if over 0.05%. Still, it’s in enough products to watch out for—especially cheaper imports.