Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances

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May 26, 2021 - Cosmetics

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances

Repeatedly, there are warnings about cosmetics with increased amounts of formaldehyde, which are subsequently taken off the market. Since the entry into force of the Regulation (EU) 2019/831, formaldehyde is listed as a prohibited substance in Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009). As a contact allergen, formaldehyde can cause skin irritation.

Formaldehyde-releasing substances are permissible in cosmetics but are subject to maximum concentration limits, which must be obligatorily adhered to according to Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Formaldehyde-releasing substances include DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, or Diazolidinyl Urea.

The presence of both formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances in cosmetics is significantly downgraded by ÖKO-Test.

The BAV Institute, in conjunction with the Tentamus Laboratory Group, conducts the detection and quantitative determination of free and releasable formaldehyde in cosmetics according to the ÖKO-Test method. Please contact us, we will be happy to provide you with an offer!