Formaldehyde Releasers
Also known as: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
A group of preservatives that work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and these releasers expose users to low but continuous levels of it.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Formaldehyde Releasers.
Even occasional exposure releases a known carcinogen onto the skin.
Daily use creates continuous low-level formaldehyde exposure. Strongly avoid.
Unacceptable risk level. Cumulative formaldehyde exposure from multiple products is a serious health concern.
Health Risks
Release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen classified by IARC as Group 1.
IARC Monographs Volume 100F — Formaldehyde
Cause allergic contact dermatitis; formaldehyde is a top allergen identified by dermatologists.
American Contact Dermatitis Society, Allergen of the Year 2015
Chronic low-level exposure may cause respiratory irritation and sensitization.
Global Regulatory Status
How formaldehyde releasers is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Not banned but restricted under MoCRA 2022; products must be safe as used.
Details
Free formaldehyde max 0.2%; must label 'contains formaldehyde' if >0.05%.
Details
Mirrors EU; max 0.2% free formaldehyde with labeling.
Details
Max 0.2% free formaldehyde; 0.1% in oral/aerosol products.
Details
Max 0.2% as preservative under MHLW positive list.
Details
Max 0.2% free formaldehyde.
Details
Concentration limits per NICNAS scheduling.
Details
Max 0.2% free formaldehyde; must be declared on label.
Details
ANVISA max 0.2% as preservative; banned above 0.2% in hair straightening.
Details
Max 0.2% as preservative under BIS standards.
Details
Max 0.2% free formaldehyde with labeling, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Formaldehyde Releasers
Effective and inexpensive broad-spectrum preservatives that prevent bacterial and fungal growth in water-based formulations.
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products in our database
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brands use it
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose formaldehyde releasers because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like phenoxyethanol (at safe concentrations), ethylhexylglycerin, sodium anisate deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Formaldehyde Releasers in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing formaldehyde releasers in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz never uses formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Our simple four-ingredient formula is preserved naturally with vitamin E.
