Article: Formaldehyde
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Formaldehyde
Category: Preservative
Brief description: Formaldehyde is a preservative that was historically used in a wide range of cosmetic products.
Benefits: Very effective at preventing microbial growth.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It has also been classified as a human carcinogen when inhaled.
Target audience: Was used in a wide range of products, including nail care, hair care, and skincare products.
Chemical composition: Simplest aldehyde (organic compound).
Physical aspect: Colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor.
Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
Concentration: In cosmetics, it was typically used in concentrations less than 0.2%.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and has been linked to cancer when inhaled.
Regulatory status: Its use is restricted in cosmetics in many countries, including the EU and Canada.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Primarily derived from methanol, a petroleum product, raising sustainability concerns.
Brief description: Formaldehyde is a preservative that was historically used in a wide range of cosmetic products.
Benefits: Very effective at preventing microbial growth.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It has also been classified as a human carcinogen when inhaled.
Target audience: Was used in a wide range of products, including nail care, hair care, and skincare products.
Chemical composition: Simplest aldehyde (organic compound).
Physical aspect: Colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor.
Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
Concentration: In cosmetics, it was typically used in concentrations less than 0.2%.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and has been linked to cancer when inhaled.
Regulatory status: Its use is restricted in cosmetics in many countries, including the EU and Canada.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Primarily derived from methanol, a petroleum product, raising sustainability concerns.