Glutaral
AKA “glutaraldehyde, Pentanedial, Glutaric dialdehyde, Sonacide, Glutardialdehyde, Alhydex, Glutaric acid dialdehyde”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Glutaral
AKA: Glutaraldehyde, Pentanedial, Glutaric dialdehyde, Sonacide, Glutardialdehyde, Alhydex, Glutaric acid dialdehyde
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Preservative
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle preservative that keeps your product fresh and effective by preventing bacteria and mold growth.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C5H8O2
Mol. Weight
100.12
CAS #
111-30-8
Form
Liquid
State
Glutaraldehyde solution is a light yellow liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
See origin →
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Traditional Use
A synthetic chemical developed in the mid-20th century as a disinfectant and preservative. It was adopted by the cosmetics industry as a biocide to prevent microbial growth in formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.1%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.1%. Contains glutaral (9) Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 48.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR