Is Paraformaldehyde Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Paraformaldehyde is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Paraformaldehyde. CAS 30525-89-4.
Is Paraformaldehyde banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail hardener, preservatives |
| CAS number | 30525-89-4 |
What is Paraformaldehyde?
Paraformaldehyde is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Paraformaldehyde used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Paraformaldehyde 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 Paraformaldehyde
- nail hardener
- preservatives
How to avoid Paraformaldehyde: 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 Paraformaldehyde
Is Paraformaldehyde banned in the EU?
Paraformaldehyde is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Paraformaldehyde in US cosmetics?
Yes — Paraformaldehyde 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 Paraformaldehyde?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Paraformaldehyde automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Paraformaldehyde?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Paraformaldehyde.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Paraformaldehyde 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.