Formaldehyde
Our database includes 10 products that contain Formaldehyde.
Explained
Formaldehyde is an organic compound (meaning it has a special type of carbon bond) most commonly used as a preservative with fungicide and germicide properties.
Our bodies naturally produce small and non-harmful amounts. It is also naturally occurring in foods such as pears, apples, fish, bananas, carrots, and bulb vegetables.
This ingredient is considered to be toxic and carcinogenic in high amounts by the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU.
According to the government of Australia, this ingredient is water-soluble, rapidly metabolized in the body, and only tiny amounts are absorbed through skin.
Some preservatives release formaldehyde as a side-product. These are required to be labeled "contains formaldehyde" in the EU.
According to the FDA, these are formaldehyde-related ingredients on labels:
- Formaldehyde
- Formalin
- Methylene glycol
Tiny amounts are allowed in products such as hand cream, bath products, nail treatments, lotions, mouth wash, hair products, eye makeup, vaginal deodorants, and shaving cream.
Formaldehyde is water-soluble.
Irritation or contact-dermatitis usually occurs in levels exceeding 0.1% of this ingredient.
You should know
Concerns
