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Quick answer: Formaldehyde (free) carries the heavier risk profile. Formaldehyde (free) is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Zinc pyrithione is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Formaldehyde (free) | Zinc pyrithione |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | medium |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | cmr | cmr |
| Where it hides | nail hardener, keratin treatment, eyelash glue | anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-acne products |
Formaldehyde (free) is free formaldehyde used directly as a preservative and in salon hair treatments.
Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial active in dandruff shampoos.
Formaldehyde (free): A known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Banned from direct use in EU cosmetics; allowed in US products with limited oversight.
Zinc pyrithione: Reclassified as a reproductive toxicant in the EU and banned as a cosmetic preservative in 2022; still a key US OTC dandruff active.
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