Is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. CAS 70161-44-3.
Is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | conditioner, lotion, liquid soap |
| CAS number | 70161-44-3 |
What is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate?
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 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 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
- conditioner
- lotion
- liquid soap
How to avoid Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate: 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 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate banned in the EU?
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 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 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 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.