Is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Benzylhemiformal. CAS 14548-60-8.
Is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | paints-adjacent cosmetics, cleansers |
| CAS number | 14548-60-8 |
What is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal?
Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal (Benzylhemiformal) is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative.
Why is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal dangerous? Documented risks
Releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; EU rinse-off use only.
Products that may contain Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal
- paints-adjacent cosmetics
- cleansers
How to avoid Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal
Is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal banned in the EU?
Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal in US cosmetics?
Yes — Formaldehyde-releasing 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 Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Formaldehyde-releasing benzylhemiformal or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related formaldehyde releasers
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.