I recently started to receive information about the ban on a preservative called Germal Plus. Personally, I don't use it, but its use is wide and it serves as an excuse for me to delve a little into the subject of formaldehydes in cosmetics.

Although cosmetics certified as natural or organic should not contain these compounds, some products mislabeled as “natural” or “green” may include them, especially if they are not certified by labels such as COSMOS, Ecocert, or NATRUE. (This is a topic for another day.)

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly volatile gas with a strong, pungent odor. It is widely used as a preservative, disinfectant, and fixative. Chemically, it is a simple aldehyde (CH₂O).

As always... pure gibberish 😉

Toxicity

• Formaldehyde is a toxic and potentially carcinogenic compound. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans.
• It can cause: eye, nose, and throat irritation, contact dermatitis, asthma, and potential immunological effects. Dermal contact and inhalation.

Some regulation

 Europe

• Free formaldehyde: Prohibited as an ingredient in cosmetics (Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009).
• Formaldehyde releasers: Still permitted, but the label must warn if the product releases >0.05% (500 ppm) of formaldehyde.
• Formaldehyde releasers are permitted, but with strict maximum concentrations.
• Some compounds such as Quaternium-15 have already been banned due to their high allergenic potential.
• Review in progress (2025): The European Commission is evaluating a ban on all formaldehyde releasers. Decision expected in September 2025, with implementation from January 1, 2027.

USA

• Formaldehyde and releasers are permitted, but:
  • The product must not be adulterated or unsafe under normal conditions of use.
  • No existe una prohibición específica, aunque el formaldehído debe declararse si está presente como tal.
  • There is no specific ban, although formaldehyde must be declared if present as such.
  •  OSHA regulates occupational exposure to formaldehyde (limits of 0.75 ppm in 8 hours and 2 ppm in 15 minutes).

If it is banned in the EU, what is the problem?

Well, the so-called formaldehyde releasers. These are ingredients that degrade over time or under certain conditions (heat, pH, light), releasing small amounts of formaldehyde. That is the problem.
Products where these ingredients can be found:
As part of a preservative system in any cosmetic product, in hair products, as hardeners in products such as nail polish…

Let me give you a very simple example: you use a product with this ingredient on your hair and then use straightening irons. The fumes are the perfect combination! I don't even want to think about hair salons and their employees.

How can you spot them on the label?

Some INCI:

• DMDM Hydantoin : Preservative
• Diazolidinyl urea (one of the ingredients in Germal plus)
• Imidazolidinyl urea: Preservative
• Quaternium-15 (banned allergen in the EU)
• Bronopol : Preservative
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate : Preservative, skin conditioner
• Methenamine : Preservative
• Glyoxal: Antimicrobial, fragrance

• Zinc Formaldehyde Sulfoxylate : Used in perms to break the disulfide bonds in hair.
  Toluene sulfonamide: used in nail polish and enamels to improve durability, shine, and hold.
• TOSYLAMIDE/FORMALDEHYDE RESIN (CAS 25035-71-6): Film-forming agent used in nail polish
• Formaldehyde Cyclododecyl Ethyl Acetal (CAS 58567-11-6) : Fragrance
• ALCOHOL DENAT. SD ALCOHOL 38-C, 38-D

Conclusion:

If you make your own natural cosmetics or go a little beyond the claims, you will not initially come into contact with these ingredients.

I decided to write this post because the preservative Germal Plus is often used in homemade cosmetics. Remember, it is not prohibited, but now you know why it could be in the future.

I hope I have clarified the issue a little! 😊