Hidden formaldehyde
Biology environment Health Lifestyle by

Formaldehyde in our home and in cosmetics – how to reduce risks

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong sharp odour that is widely used in various industries. It is a compound associated with serious health risks in humans. Its use in cosmetics is prohibited, but this substance is still present in products.

It is widely used as a preservative, disinfectant and biocide, embalming agent and tissue fixative. It’s also found in amino plastics and phenolic resins, various glues and textiles. It is rarely used in cosmetic products, but preservatives releasing formaldehyde with introduction of water are widely present in many cosmetic products, topical medications and household products. These preservatives are called formaldehyde-releasers (more on this below).

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in the production of adhesives, bonding agents and solvents. Thus it is commonly found in a variety of consumer products:

  • pressed-wood products (plywood, particle board, panelling),
  • foam insulation,
  • wallpaper and paints,
  • some synthetic fabrics (example: permanent press),
  • also a byproduct of combustion; when burning natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, wood or tobacco. Automobile exhaust is a common source of formaldehyde in our environment.
  • smoking indoor is another source of this chemical (as mentioned above),
  • glues (all of them, also the ones used on the skin, e.g. for false eyelashes, nail glue etc.),
  • household cleaners (including dishwashing liquids),
  • nail polish,
  • shower gels, body wash,
  • hair gel,
  • hair-smoothing products,
  • shampoos (including baby shampoo),
  • body soap,
  • various face and body creams,
  • various coloured decorative cosmetic products.

The amounts released from cosmetics are usually very small, but we don’t want this chemical on our skin in any way. In liquid form it is absorbed through the skin. Due to its widespread use in everyday products, we are very exposed to it at home – it is one of the most common indoor air pollutants.

The effects of exposure to formaldehyde

Strong irritation to the eyes, nasal mucosa and throat. It can cause allergic reactions, breathing and skin problems, such as itching and dermatitis, especially in those with sensitive skin. It is a carcinogenic and suspected mutagenic substance.

Formaldehyde releasers

Although it is banned, it is still present in cosmetics. Formaldehyde releasers are other substances that release small amounts of formaldehyde.

They are recognized under the names:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Quaternium-15
  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Diazolidinyl urea
  • Polyoxymethylene urea
  • Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
  • 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol)
  • Glyoxal
  • bromopol

Research

Research has shown that the listed compounds release more than 0,2 mg/kg of formaldehyde per product or 0,02 %, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Clinical studies have shown that some people may develop an allergy to the formaldehyde releasers themselves, even if they are not sensitive to formaldehyde itself.

In order to better protect consumers, EU lowered the threshold for mandatory labelling of products that release formaldehyde – from 0,05 % to 0,001 % (10 mg/kg) of released formaldehyde, with Regulation 2022/1181.

From July 31, 2026, the label “releases formaldehyde” will be mandatory on all cosmetic products where the concentration of released formaldehyde exceeds the new threshold.

But the restriction does not apply to cosmetic products where formaldehyde is produced as a by-product of ingredients other than preservatives. Thus these products will not need to be labelled, even though they may contain more than 0,001 % formaldehyde, which is a major and worrisome problem.

Such an example is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which acts as an active ingredient in a cosmetic product. It is most often used in self-tanning products – lotions, sprays, foams, wipes, etc. DHA reacts with proteins in the epidermis of the skin, resulting in a temporary tanned appearance to the skin without UV exposure. Formaldehyde is released as a by-product, especially during improper storage, if the product is exposed to heat, light or moisture. In this case, manufacturers are not and will not be obliged to warn about the possible presence of formaldehyde in the product, even though its content may be potentially dangerous for the user.

  1. A test by a German consumer organization, which analysed 20 self-tanning products in 2023, showed that all of them contained hidden formaldehyde, produced as a breakdown product of the active ingredient DHA.
  2. A 2015 Swedish study found hidden formaldehyde in 13 % of 126 skin care products, even though these products did not contain known formaldehyde releasers.
  3. Results of a 2021 Danish study found that 18 % of tested cosmetic products without listed formaldehyde releasers contained hidden formaldehyde. The average concentration was 105 mg/kg (0,0105 %), and the highest measured value was as much as 507 mg/kg (0,0507 %).

The presence of hidden formaldehyde in cosmetics, especially in self-tanning products with DHA, is common and a health concern. In the face of inadequate labeling and weak regulation, stricter legislation, more research and better consumer awareness are necessary.

How to reduce formaldehyde levels at home

The best way to reduce your exposure is to avoid products that contain formaldehyde, as listed above. At least to avoid as many as possible.

Look for products that are labelled as ‘no’ or ‘low’ VOC or formaldehyde.

When purchasing pressed wood products for your home, look for those that are labelled as compliant with ANSI or California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB- ACTM) standards.

When purchasing products that may contain formaldehyde, use these methods to lower exposure:

  • allow products to off-gas: if possible, remove the packaging from products and allow them to air out before bringing them inside.
  • ventilate your home: increase the supply of fresh air to lower the concentration of formaldehyde by opening windows or through a central ventilation system.
  • control the heat and humidity: Lower the temperature and humidity in the home. The amount of formaldehyde released goes up with increases in air temperature and humidity.
  • To minimize exposure to combustion by-products, including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, ensure that combustion sources are properly maintained and vented outdoors. Avoid smoking indoors.

With cosmetic products:

• check ingredients and avoid products with formaldehyde releasers,

• store in a cool, dry and dark place,

• use the products as soon as possible after opening,

• always close the packaging well

• be specially careful if you have generally sensitive skin or an allergy to formaldehyde.

Advice

Keep the list with you next time you look for any cleaning, care and cosmetic products, read the ingredients list on the product and check if it contains any chemicals from the list above. Look for products that don’t and stick to those.

Just avoid the listed products, starting with the cosmetic ones (and quitting smoking), nothing on the list is a necessity. For showering and hair washing there are some good soaps available that do not contain the dangerous chemicals. You can even make the soaps yourself.

Avoiding the rest takes a bit more effort. Also we can’t really avoid cars, but by being mindful, we can improve our lives and with it, the environment, in so many ways.

Sources:

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