The simplest aldehyde, listed as an antimicrobial and preservative, linked in EU data to an Annex II entry.
What it is
Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde, a pungent gas that is handled mostly as an aqueous solution (formalin). CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial, denaturant and preservative. The EU data link this ingredient to an entry in Annex II (prohibited substances).
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for what the Annex II entry covers and how it applies. Formaldehyde released by other ingredients is not listed under this name.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Denaturant
- Rendering cosmetics unpalatable. Mostly added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol to make it unsuitable for ingestion.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2019/831
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
17 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Gürbent (2026-09-10)
- Maycheer – Ultra Protect SPF 90+ Dry Touch Sunblock (2026-08-26)
- INOAR – Moroccan Capilary Treatment (2026-06-08)
- INOAR – Anti-volume treatment / Soin Anti Volume (2026-06-01)
- XHC XPEL HAIR CARE Coconut HAIR MASK (2026-05-28)
Scientific opinions (SCCS)
Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.