Is Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) Safe?
Independent skincare safety analysis · Updated April 02, 2026
48
Safety Concerns Noted
Significant safety concerns — consult a dermatologist before use
D
Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) has some safety concerns that warrant attention based on a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Formaldehyde (INCI: Formaldehyde) is a cosmetic ingredient used as a preservative. IARC Group 1 carcinogen; banned in EU cosmetics above trace levels. Still released by some preservatives.
Overall assessment: Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) is associated with safety concerns that require careful formulation review.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Key Safety Findings
⚠Nerq Safety Score: 48.2/100 (Fair)
✗EFSA (EU): Banned in EU
✗IARC: Group 1 — Carcinogenic to humans
Regulatory Status of Formaldehyde (Cosmetic)
IARC
Group 1 — Carcinogenic to humans
Data sourced from official regulatory databases. Always verify with the relevant authority for the most current status.
What are the safety concerns for Formaldehyde (Cosmetic)?
The primary area of concern is EFSA (EU) (48/100). Perform a patch test before regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) safe in skincare?
Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. Use with caution — consult a dermatologist.
Can Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) cause skin irritation?
Sensitization Risk score: 48/100. Irritation has been reported. Patch test before use.
Is Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) safe during pregnancy?
Consult your dermatologist or OB-GYN before using products containing Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) during pregnancy. Safety data may be limited for this use case.
Is Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) banned in the EU?
Regulatory Status score: 48/100. May have restrictions in some markets. Check EU CosIng database.
Is Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) comedogenic?
Comedogenicity depends on concentration and formulation. Check the product's full ingredient list and your skin type for the best assessment.
What are the side effects of Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) on skin?
Skin Safety score: 48/100. Side effects including irritation and sensitivity have been reported.
How does Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) compare to similar cosmetic ingredients?
Formaldehyde (Cosmetic) has a safety score of 48.2/100. Compare with similar ingredients below.
Similar Cosmetic Ingredients
How we calculated this score
Formaldehyde (Cosmetic)'s safety score of 48.2/100 (D) is based on analysis of published toxicology data, regulatory filings, clinical studies, and adverse event reports. The score reflects 5 health-specific dimensions: EFSA (EU) (48/100, Banned in EU), IARC (48/100, Group 1 — Carcinogenic to humans), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ).
Nerq indexes over 7.5 million entities across 26 registries, enabling direct cross-category comparison. Scores are updated as new safety data becomes available.
Full methodology documentation · Machine-readable data (JSON API)
Last updated: April 02, 2026 · Data sources: FDA, EU-CosIng, EWG, SCCS, INCI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, nutritional, or dermatological advice.
Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.
Data sourced from FDA, EFSA, NIH, and peer-reviewed research.
Full health disclaimer.