A dialdehyde used as a preservative, regulated in Annex V.
What it is
Glutaral is glutaraldehyde (pentanedial), a simple aliphatic dialdehyde with five carbon atoms. CosIng lists it as a fragrance ingredient and preservative. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex V (allowed preservatives), with a label warning requirement.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of cosmetic products that need preservation.
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 the applicable limits, conditions and warnings. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Fragrance
- Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
- 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
EU · Annex V, entry 48Glutaraldehyde (Pentane-1,5-dial)
- Maximum concentration
- 0.1%
- Conditions and warnings
- Contains glutaral (9)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223