#Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (#FRPs) are used in many #PersonalCare products, particularly in #shampoos and liquid #BabySoaps.

"These preservatives release small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Since low levels of formaldehyde can cause health concerns-at levels as low as 250 parts per million and even lower levels in sensitized individuals-the slow release of small amounts of formaldehyde are cause for concern. A 2015 study determined that longer storage time and higher temperature increase the amount of formaldehyde released from FRPs and could ultimately lead to more severe health concerns.

"#Quaternium15 is the most sensitizing of these FRPs and is found in #blush, #mascara, #lotion and #shampoo.

"#DMDMHydantoin is found in lotion, #sunscreen and make-up remover and is one of the least sensitizing of the FRPs.

"#ImidazolidinylUrea, #DiazolidinylUrea, and #polyoxymethylene urea, are found in shampoo, conditioner, blush, #EyeShadow, and lotion and are all known human #allergens. #Imidazolidinyl urea is one of the most common #antimicrobial agents used in personal care products and is often combined with #parabens to provide a broad spectrum preservative system. #Diazolidinyl urea releases the most formaldehyde of any FRP.

"Sodium #hydroxymethylglycinate is found in shampoo, moisturizer, conditioner, and lotion. Animal studies have shown that sodium hydroxymethylglycinate has the potential for sensitization and #dermatitis.

"#Bromopol is found in #Nail Polish, #makeup remover, #moisturizer and #BodyWash. Bromopol is considered safe in concentrations less than 0.1%, but cannot be found in formulations with the FRP amine. Mixing bromopol and amines produce #nitrosamines which have been found to penetrate the skin and cause #cancer.

"#Glyoxal is found in conditioner, lotion, nail polish and nail treatment. CIR Expert Panel has declared that glyoxal is a skin allergen.

Regulations

"Banned from use in #cosmetics and #toiletries in #Japan and #Sweden; in the #EU, restricted in personal care products, and labeling is required in products that do contain these chemicals; concentration restrictions in Canada. The EU allows the use of Quaternium-15 up to 0.2% as a preservative in cosmetic products.

How to Avoid?

Read labels and avoid products containing the following ingredients: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol). In addition, choose nail products that are labeled formaldehyde-free or “toxic-trio-free” (formaldehyde, toluene and DBP). Skip hair-smoothing products—especially those sold in salons, as salon-based products are exempt from labeling laws. Don’t use expired cosmetic products or store cosmetic products in the sun because this can cause more formaldehyde to be released."

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/