Formaldehyde
Notable concerns
INCI · FormaldehydeCAS 50-00-0
Also known as: Methanal
Preservative
In plain language
A volatile organic compound historically used as a preservative and hair-straightening agent, now widely banned due to high toxicity.
A known human carcinogen and severe respiratory and dermal sensitizer.
Concerns & harms
Harm
Carcinogenicity
Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
Strong evidence
Where it can be sold
Simplified regulatory status by market — for guidance, not compliance advice.
European UnionNot permitted
Prohibited in cosmetics (Annex II), except as a trace impurity from formaldehyde donors.
01
IARC Monographs: Coconut oil diethanolamine condensate ↗
International Agency for Research on Cancer · 2012
Regulatory