Is Benzylhemiformal Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Benzylhemiformal is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Benzylhemiformal. CAS 14548-60-8.
Is Benzylhemiformal banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lotion, cleanser |
| CAS number | 14548-60-8 |
What is Benzylhemiformal?
Benzylhemiformal is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Benzylhemiformal used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Benzylhemiformal dangerous? Documented risks
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and a common skin sensitizer. The EU restricts formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and requires warning labels; Washington State is phasing them out, while they remain unrestricted federally in the US.
Products that may contain Benzylhemiformal
- lotion
- cleanser
How to avoid Benzylhemiformal: safer alternatives
Choose 'formaldehyde-free' products and EU-compliant brands; look for preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. BannedPantry flags formaldehyde releasers on the INCI list.
Frequently asked questions about Benzylhemiformal
Is Benzylhemiformal banned in the EU?
Benzylhemiformal is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Benzylhemiformal in US cosmetics?
Yes — Benzylhemiformal can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Benzylhemiformal?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Benzylhemiformal automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Benzylhemiformal?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Benzylhemiformal.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Benzylhemiformal or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related formaldehyde releasers
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- Formaldehyde releasers in common personal-care products — Silent Spring Institute
- Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act implementation — Toxic-Free Future
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.