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Quick answer: Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane carries the heavier risk profile. Decyl Glucoside is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US; Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Decyl Glucoside | Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Allowed | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | high |
| Banned in | — | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | surfactant | formaldehyde releaser |
| Where it hides | Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash, EWG Verified baby cleansers | liquid soap, shampoo |
Decyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant made by combining glucose (from starch) with decanol (from coconut oil). It belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family, which is noted for excellent biodegradability and gentleness.
Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Decyl Glucoside: Decyl glucoside is among the safest cosmetic surfactants available. It has an excellent safety profile, with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is approved for use in certified organic cosmetics (COSMOS, ECOCERT). No carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, or systemic toxicity concerns have been identified. Rare contact allergic reactions have been documented but are extremely uncommon.
Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane: 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.
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