Review
Formaldehyde-Releasers in Cosmetics in the USA and in Europe
de Groot AC, Veenstra M
ReviewContact Dermatitis2010
Research Facts
Formaldehyde-Releasers in Cosmetics in the USA and in Europe
de Groot AC, Veenstra M
Review · Moderate · 2010
Findings

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives remain widely used in US cosmetics and are a leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis

Design
Review
Evidence
Moderate
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
Methodology

This review examined the prevalence and allergenic potential of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) in cosmetic products in the US and Europe. FRPs including DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 release free formaldehyde over time at levels sufficient to cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. The review found these ingredients more prevalent in US products than European ones. The authors concluded that FRP-related contact allergy is underreported, as patch testing for individual FRPs is not routine.

Funded By

Not specified

🧂Conflict of interest.