Formaldehyde
High ConcernAlso known as
formaldehydeformalinmethanalmethylene oxideformic aldehyde
The concern
IARC Group 1 carcinogen — causes nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia. Used directly in some keratin hair treatments and nail hardeners, and released by formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. OSHA sets workplace exposure limits.
What to look for on labels
This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:
- Formaldehyde
- formaldehyde
- formalin
- methanal
- methylene oxide
- formic aldehyde
Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.