Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
The question

Is Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives safe in body wash?

AvoidBody wash

A class of preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde — a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) — into cosmetic formulas.

What the research flags

  • Formaldehyde is IARC Group 1 carcinogen
  • Skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis
  • Respiratory irritant with repeated exposure
  • California Prop 65 listed

Regulatory
Formaldehyde: IARC Group 1 carcinogen

Other body wash ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    RegulatoryInternational regulator — iarc-monographs-on-the-identification-of-carcinogenic-hazards-to-humans
  2. [2]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 701278-DMDM_HYDANTOIN
  3. [3]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 23369283

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific body wash product. This is not medical advice.