Common Name(s): Formaldehyde-releasing preservative,antimicrobial preservation,formaldehyde donor
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides broad-spectrum preservation against bacteria and fungi through controlled formaldehyde release, maintaining product safety throughout shelf life at eu-permitted concentrations.
Why It's Used: Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives provide reliable broad-spectrum preservation but face increasing consumer and regulatory scrutiny โ eu requires label declaration, and many brands adopt 'formaldehyde-free' positioning due to sensitisation concerns.
How It Works: Hydrolysis in aqueous formulation releases formaldehyde (hcho) at controlled rates depending on ph and temperature. free formaldehyde cross-links bacterial proteins and nucleic acids through schiff base formation with amine groups, providing bactericidal activity. sensitisation risk from free formaldehyde's reactivity with skin proteins forming haptens.
Typically Found In: All aqueous formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Check eu annex v limits
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Eu regulation 1223/2009 requires 'contains formaldehyde' label declaration when free formaldehyde >0.05% in the finished product. many formulators are transitioning away from formaldehyde-releasing preservatives to avoid this label requirement regardless of safety profile.
Last Verified: Cosing database,eu annex v formaldehyde-releasing preservative declaration
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12