Is Urea-formaldehyde polymer Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Urea-formaldehyde polymer is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Urea/Formaldehyde Resin. CAS 9011-05-6.
Is Urea-formaldehyde polymer banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail products, cosmetics |
| CAS number | 9011-05-6 |
What is Urea-formaldehyde polymer?
Urea-formaldehyde polymer is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Urea-formaldehyde polymer used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Urea-formaldehyde polymer 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 Urea-formaldehyde polymer
- nail products
- cosmetics
How to avoid Urea-formaldehyde polymer: 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 Urea-formaldehyde polymer
Is Urea-formaldehyde polymer banned in the EU?
Urea-formaldehyde polymer is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Urea-formaldehyde polymer in US cosmetics?
Yes — Urea-formaldehyde polymer 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 Urea-formaldehyde polymer?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Urea-formaldehyde polymer automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Urea-formaldehyde polymer?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Urea-formaldehyde polymer.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Urea-formaldehyde polymer 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.