Is Timonacic Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Timonacic is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Timonacic. CAS 444-27-9.
Is Timonacic banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail hardener, skincare |
| CAS number | 444-27-9 |
What is Timonacic?
Timonacic is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Timonacic used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Timonacic 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 Timonacic
- nail hardener
- skincare
How to avoid Timonacic: 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 Timonacic
Is Timonacic banned in the EU?
Timonacic is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Timonacic in US cosmetics?
Yes — Timonacic 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 Timonacic?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Timonacic automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Timonacic?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Timonacic.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Timonacic 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.