Formaldehyde Releasing Agents
Quick Summary
- Formaldehyde releasing agents are chemical compounds that slowly release formaldehyde. They are formulated in a number of cosmetic and hair-care products.
- Formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial agent, so formaldehyde releasing agents are often used in skin care products as preservatives.
- Most formaldehyde-releasing agents are considered safe for use in cosmetic products in certain amounts. However, formaldehyde releasing agents can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
- Those with sensitive skin or allergies to formaldehyde should take caution when using products that contain formaldehyde releasing agents.
What Are Formaldehyde Releasing Agents?
Formaldehyde-releasing agents are chemical compounds that slowly release formaldehyde. They are formulated in a number of cosmetics and hair-care products. Common formaldehyde releasing agents include:
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- Quaternium-15
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
What Do Formaldehyde Releasing Agents Do?
Formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial agent, so formaldehyde-releasing agents are often used in skin care products as preservatives.[1] Below is a table of the formaldehyde-releasing agents and their functions.
|
Formaldehyde-Releasing Agent |
Function |
|
DMDM hydantoin |
Preservative |
|
Imidazolidinyl urea |
Preservative |
|
Diazolidinyl urea |
Preservative |
|
Quaternium-15 |
Preservative |
|
Bronopol |
Preservative |
|
5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane |
Preservative |
|
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate |
Preservative Hair conditioning |
Potential Side Effects of Formaldehyde Releasing Agents
- Formaldehyde-releasing agents can cause allergic contact dermatitis[2,3]
Most formaldehyde-releasing agents are considered safe for use in cosmetic products in certain amounts.
|
Formaldehyde-Releasing Agent |
Maximum Safety Concentration |
|
DMDM hydantoin |
0.2%[4] |
|
Imidazolidinyl urea |
0.6%[5] |
|
Diazolidinyl urea |
0.5%[4] |
|
Quaternium-15 |
0.2%[6] |
|
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol |
0.1% except when it can result in the formation of the carcinogens nitrosamines or nitrosamides[7] |
|
5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane |
0.1% except when it can result in the formation of the carcinogens nitrosamines or nitrosamides[8] |
|
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate |
0.5%[9] |
Practical Tips for Formaldehyde Releasing Agents
Those with sensitive skin or allergies to formaldehyde should take caution when using products containing formaldehyde releasing agents.
* This Website is for general skin beauty, wellness, and health information only. This Website is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. The information provided on this Website should never be used to disregard, delay, or refuse treatment or advice from a physician or a qualified health provider.
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References
- McDonnell G, Russell AD. Antiseptics and disinfectants: activity, action, and resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev.1999;12(1):147-179; PMID: 9880479 Link to research.
- de Groot A, White IR, Flyvholm MA, et al. Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Part 2. Patch test relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy, experimental provocation tests, amount of formaldehyde released, and assessment of risk to consumers allergic to formaldehyde. Contact Dermatitis.2010;62(1):18-31; PMID: 20136876 Link to research.
- Krecisz B, Chomiczewska-Skora D, Kiec-Swierczynska M. [Preservatives as important etiologic factors of allergic contact dermatitis]. Med Pr.2015;66(3):327-332; PMID: 26325045 Link to research.
- Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2005/2006. International Journal of Toxicology.2008;27:77-142; Link to research.
- Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments -- 2001/2002. International Journal of Toxicology.2003;22:1-35; Link to research.
- Fiume M, Heldreth B. 40th Anniversary Overview and Rereview Summaries From 2011 to 2015. International Journal of Toxicology.2017;36:14-58; Link to research.
- Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments -- 2004/2005. International Journal of Toxicology.2006;25:1-89; Link to research.
- Andersen FA. Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2007-2010. International Journal of Toxicology.2011;30:73-127; Link to research.
- Evaluation and Opinion On: The Determination of Certain Formaldehyde Releasers in Cosmetic Products. The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers;2002.