Formaldehyde
Where is Formaldehyde found?
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and disinfectant in many industrial and household products. It is also used to finish durable press fabrics.
How can you avoid contact with Formaldehyde?
Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients:
• Formaldehyde
• Formalin
• Formic aldehyde
• Methaldehyde
• Methyl aldehyde
• Methylene oxide
• Methanal
• Oxymethylene
What are some products that may contain Formaldehyde?
Baby Products
Cosmetics
Fabrics
Foods
Gum and Mints
Household Products
Personal Care Products
Pet Care
Shampoos and Conditioners
Formaldehyde has been replaced by other chemicals in skin and hair care products.
These chemicals are known as formaldehyde releasers. It also may be prudent to avoid
these chemicals based on your physician’s advice:
• Quaternium-15
• Diazolidinyl urea (Germall® II)
• DMDM hydantoin (Glydant)
• Imidazolidinyl urea (Germall®)
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol™)
• Tris nitromethane (Tris Nitro)(industrial biocide)
A clinician's point of view.
Additional resources and links for Formaldehyde.
To submit resources or links, please fill out the submission form at the top of this page.
For additional information about products that might contain Formaldehyde, visit the Consumer Product Information Database. These lists are brief and provide just a few examples. They are not comprehensive. Product formulations also change frequently. Read product labels carefully and talk to your doctor if you have any questions. These are general guidelines. Talk to your doctor for more specific instructions.
