News

Go back

10.10.2024 - Cosmetics

Formaldehyde in cosmetics

Formaldehyde in cosmetic products is repeatedly the focus of discussion, especially when the issue is highlighted by investigation results from NGOs (non-governmental organizations such as Öko-Test and Stiftung Warentest).

Formaldehyde has the systematic name methanal and thus belongs to the substance group of aldehydes. It is a pungent-smelling, colorless gas classified as carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

The use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products has been banned since 2019. Formaldehyde was included as a prohibited substance in Annex II No. 1577 of the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. However, the use of certain substances listed in Annex V of the regulation, which can release formaldehyde, is still permitted. According to the amendment regulation (EU) 2022/1181, cosmetic finished products containing substances that can release formaldehyde must carry the notice "releases formaldehyde" if the total concentration of releasable formaldehyde exceeds 0.001% and the entry of formaldehyde comes from these formaldehyde releasers.

The transitional period for the first-time marketing of non-compliant products expired on 31.07.2024, sale is still permitted until 31.07.2026.

The BAV Institute, within the Tentamus Group network, is happy to test your products for formaldehyde. We offer testing for both free formaldehyde and free and bound formaldehyde. Feel free to contact us.

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu