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23.08.2023 - Cosmetics

Formaldehyde Cosmetics – Provisions in Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009

The use of free formaldehyde has been prohibited since May 2019 (Annex II No. 1577 Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009). 

For preservation, so-called formaldehyde releasers can be used, which can release small amounts of formaldehyde. These are subject to a maximum concentration restriction according to Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Formaldehyde releasers include the following substances among others (see "further information," list not exhaustive):  

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers are criticized because formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic (IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) Category 1).

In 2022, the Amendment Regulation (EU) No. 2022/1181 supplemented Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 with the indication that finished products must carry the notice "releases formaldehyde" if the total concentration of released formaldehyde exceeds 10 ppm. There is a transition period on the Union market until July 31, 2024.

Source:

Regulation (EU) 2022/1181 of the Commission of 8 July 2022 amending the introduction to Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products

Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products

International Agency for Research on Cancer