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Answer: Yes — Formaldehyde (free) is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: nail hardener, keratin treatment, eyelash glue.
TL;DR: Formaldehyde (free) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Formaldehyde. CAS 50-00-0.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail hardener, keratin treatment, eyelash glue |
| CAS number | 50-00-0 |
Formaldehyde (free) is free formaldehyde used directly as a preservative and in salon hair treatments.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
A known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Banned from direct use in EU cosmetics; allowed in US products with limited oversight.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Formaldehyde (free)with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Formaldehyde (free) is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
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.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Formaldehyde (free) automatically.
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.
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