The simplest dialdehyde, listed as an antimicrobial and perfuming ingredient and regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Glyoxal is ethanedial, the smallest dialdehyde, with the formula OHC-CHO. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial and perfuming ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of 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 the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually present.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Perfuming
- Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.
EU regulation
EU · Annex III, entry 194Glyoxal
- Maximum concentration
- 100 mg/kg
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344