Formaldehyde in Personal Care Products: What It Is & How to Avoid It

Jun 30

Formaldehyde is one of the most common toxic ingredients in personal care products. In this post, we’ll break down what it is, why it’s harmful, and how to spot it on labels.

So, What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that’s used to kill bacteria and prevent mold in cosmetic and personal care products. It’s what makes many products shelf-stable for years.

But here’s the catch: companies almost never list “formaldehyde” on the label.

Instead, it shows up through what are called formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs), chemicals that gradually release small amounts of formaldehyde over time.

You’ll find them in:

Shampoos and conditioners
Body washes and lotions
Makeup and mascara
Nail hardeners and eyelash glue

These FRPs keep your products from going bad but they come with risks that most people don’t know about.

Why It’s Worth Paying Attention

Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

That’s not fear-mongering, it’s scientific consensus. Repeated, low-level exposure has been linked to:

Certain types of cancer (especially nasal and blood cancers)
Immune system issues
Respiratory irritation
Skin sensitivities

And because these ingredients often appear in leave-on products (hair treatments, facial creams, or makeup) the exposure can add up, especially over time.

How Formaldehyde Hides on Labels

Formaldehyde doesn’t always show up by name. In fact, many personal care products use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or FRPs, ingredients that slowly release formaldehyde over time to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life.

Here are some of the most common FRPs to watch for on ingredient labels:

DMDM Hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Diazolidinyl Urea
Quaternium-15
Bronopol
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Glyoxal

Even if the product doesn’t list “formaldehyde,” these ingredients can release it slowly over time, especially in water-based products with long shelf lives.

Where It's Hiding: Real Product Examples

Here are three real-world products that still contain formaldehyde or FRPs:

DUO Striplash Adhesive (eyelash glue) → Formaldehyde
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara → Quaternium-15 (an FRP)
Dove Ultracare Conditioner → DMDM Hydantoin (another FRP)

The takeaway? Just because something is sold in stores doesn’t mean it’s ingredient-safe. Even familiar, trusted brands still use these preservatives.

What the Research Says

Research has shown that FRPs can release formaldehyde in amounts significant enough to cause harm with repeated use. Multiple studies have linked formaldehyde to cancer, respiratory issues, and immune sensitivity.

That’s why the European Union has banned formaldehyde in all cosmetic products and even regulates ingredients that might release it in small doses.

In the U.S.? These ingredients are still widely used, with little regulation.

What You Can Do

Switching to cleaner products doesn’t have to happen overnight and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

But here’s what you can do starting today:

Check your products for ingredients like DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea, or Formaldehyde directly.
Look for labels that say “formaldehyde-free” (but still check the ingredient list)

Clean living doesn’t need to feel extreme. It starts with knowing what to look for and feeling confident in what you’re choosing. One ingredient at a time. One product at a time. One swap at a time.