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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Coal tar is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Formaldehyde (free) is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Coal tar | Formaldehyde (free) |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | cmr | cmr |
| Where it hides | anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products | nail hardener, keratin treatment, eyelash glue |
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
Formaldehyde (free) is free formaldehyde used directly as a preservative and in salon hair treatments.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
Formaldehyde (free): A known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Banned from direct use in EU cosmetics; allowed in US products with limited oversight.
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