Is Dimethylol glycol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dimethylol glycol is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Dimethylol Ethylene Urea. CAS 136-84-5.
Is Dimethylol glycol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | cosmetics |
| CAS number | 136-84-5 |
What is Dimethylol glycol?
Dimethylol glycol is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Dimethylol glycol used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Dimethylol glycol 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 Dimethylol glycol
- cosmetics
How to avoid Dimethylol glycol: 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 Dimethylol glycol
Is Dimethylol glycol banned in the EU?
Dimethylol glycol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Dimethylol glycol in US cosmetics?
Yes — Dimethylol glycol 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 Dimethylol glycol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dimethylol glycol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Dimethylol glycol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Dimethylol glycol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dimethylol glycol 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.