Is Glyoxylic acid Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Glyoxylic acid is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Glyoxylic Acid. CAS 298-12-4.
Is Glyoxylic acid banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | keratin straightening treatment |
| CAS number | 298-12-4 |
What is Glyoxylic acid?
Glyoxylic acid is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Glyoxylic acid used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Glyoxylic acid 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 Glyoxylic acid
- keratin straightening treatment
How to avoid Glyoxylic acid: 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 Glyoxylic acid
Is Glyoxylic acid banned in the EU?
Glyoxylic acid is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Glyoxylic acid in US cosmetics?
Yes — Glyoxylic acid 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 Glyoxylic acid?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Glyoxylic acid automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Glyoxylic acid?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Glyoxylic acid.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Glyoxylic acid 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.