Is Formaldehyde (free) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Formaldehyde (free) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Formaldehyde. CAS 50-00-0.
Is Formaldehyde (free) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail hardener, keratin treatment, eyelash glue |
| CAS number | 50-00-0 |
What is Formaldehyde (free)?
Formaldehyde (free) is free formaldehyde used directly as a preservative and in salon hair treatments.
Why is Formaldehyde (free) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Formaldehyde (free) dangerous? Documented risks
A known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Banned from direct use in EU cosmetics; allowed in US products with limited oversight.
Products that may contain Formaldehyde (free)
How to avoid Formaldehyde (free): 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 (free)
Is Formaldehyde (free) banned in the EU?
Formaldehyde (free) is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Formaldehyde (free) in US cosmetics?
Yes — Formaldehyde (free) 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 (free)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Formaldehyde (free) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Formaldehyde (free)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Formaldehyde (free).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Formaldehyde (free) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.