How to Avoid Formaldehyde In Beauty Products (Expecially Now That the Government Has Admitted It’s a Carcinogen)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has added eight new substances to its carcinogen list, and guess what made the cut? Our old friend formaldehyde. This doesn’t mean the cosmetics industry has to (or will) stop using the substance in its products, though, so here’s a primer that we hope you’ll share widely, on how to avoid that ghastly, terrible, no good, very bad thing.
As a reminder, formaldehyde is used in some nail polishes and chemical straightening procedures like the Brazilian blowout—yes, even in formulations that claim to be formaldehyde free (it’s the active ingredient, y’all; doesn’t work without the poison)—but it can also leach out of products like shampoo, baby wash, face wash and makeup, too. It is often present in the form of what are euphemistically called “formaldehyde donors.” I don’t know about you, but when I think about donations I think about kidneys, and blood, and organizations like UNICEF and the Nature Conservancy. I don’t think about shampoos donating carcinogens to me while I shower. Pretty sure I’m not alone on that.
So for a refresher, now that we have a long-overdue federal warning on the matter, here is some of what to avoid, and how.
1. The Brazilian blowout. We did it. We regret it—or, well, we would have regretted it if it hadn’t been the inspiration for our book. Do not do this, little chickens, or any similar procedure whether or not it has that name. Variations include but are not limited to keratin hairstyling, keratin treatment, Brazilian hair straightening…you get the picture.
2. Any nail polish that doesn’t explicitly say it is formaldehyde-free. If it doesn’t say that, it probably isn’t. And if you read the label and see formaldehyde on it (ahem) well, then you have your answer. The good news? Many are formaldehyde- and other-nasties-free (see our review and the many recommendations in the comments from all of you).
3. Products containing DMDM-Hydantoin. Here’s a fun thing to do: Go to the drug store and check the back of every shampoo on the shelf and count how many do NOT contain this, because you’ll lose count if you try to tally the ones that DO. It’s a preservative, it releases formaldehyde, and you do not want to use this on yourself or your baby (or your boyfriend).
4. Products containing quaternium-15. Another preservative that leaches formaldehyde. Even the industry itself acknowledges in its reports (which I would link to except it’s behind a paywall). Avoid.
5. Products containing diazolidinyl urea (or Germall 115). Another common antimicrobial that leaches formaldehyde. Scan your ingredients. And if you don’t want to listen to us, listen to Dr, Oz, who has it on his no-no list in You Being Beautiful, which we mention a bunch in the book.
6. Products containing imidiazolidinyl urea (or Germall II). Ditto.
7. Products containing butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Used in eye makeup, eye pencils, lots of skincare products, fragrance and fragrance-masking chemicals, which can be present in products listed as “fragrance-free.” Some people say it’s not a formaldehyde donor, some people say it is. I’m not a chemist but I tend to err on the side of caution, and you should too.
We might be preaching to the converted here (“might,” ha) but you all know people who know people, so please—share this information with them.
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Hopefully this will make business aware of the hazards of formaldehyde. In a Human Physiology class I took a few years ago the professor informed us that formaldehyde was previously used to embalm bodies, but was discontinued because it was harmful and cancerous to do. It is insane that embalmers won’t even use this ingredient on dead bodies, but the beauty industry still uses it.
As a recent convert, I have been preaching about this left and right. My mother doesn’t speak English so I have to inform her of all this. I have a huge problem though: SHE WON’T LISTEN! She’s been calling me a hippie lately and, although, I show her the proof (that I have, at least…) she responds with “Well, I’m already older. I’ve used most of these products for a long time, I’m still fine…”
Any tips on how to get her to take this (AND ME, lol) seriously?
Thanks for the refresher about what to look out for with this ingredient!!
To Ana F: I understand your frustration getting your mother to change her perspective. I, too, am older and what changed my whole perspective was realizing, from the No More Dirty Looks book, that for decades I have been using cheap, unhealthy, harsh chemicals on my skin because I trusted that companies cared that their products were safe. With my years of corporate experience, I have seen firsthand that cost concerns do in fact lead to using cheaper ingredients. I now give my skin the most gentle, clean products possible. Hope that helps.
Good advice, Jan. Ana I totally feel you. A few things that generally perk up people’s awareness, depending on who the person is and what their priorities are. pick and choose based on what you think will resonate with her.
1. tell her these ingredients are dangerous, that formaldehyde is what they use to embalm corpses etc.
2. remind her that these products do not do your looks any favors
3. remind her that the industry self polices itself
4. remind her that it’s a $50 billion plus industry selling very cheap synthetics, many of which are toxic, and making huge profits
5. tell her whats bad for her is bad for the planet, and vice versa
6. tell her that products like this beget the use of more products, which gets pricey
7. because she loves you and you’re asking her nicely :)
It’s true that many large companies are still getting away with filling their products with nasty chemicals, so it’s great to see that more and more people are becoming more aware of what goes into the skin. Posts like this really do help to change attitudes, so thanks for the good advice! X
” Some people say it’s not a formaldehyde donor, some people say it is. I’m not a chemist but I tend to err on the side of caution, and you should too.”
Why not simply find out? I am a chemist and I know the answer, but I am just some guy on the internet. I could be a lesbian posing as a chemist for all you know. In any case, why spoil the ending. You just need to spend a couple of hours with a good organic chemistry text book. Atkins is a good one, but there are plenty more.
It really isn’t that difficult, and I think you might find that once you learn a bit about chemicals they are nowhere near as scary as you think.
I’m allergic to formaldehyde releaser and have been trying to find beauty products free of it but with no luck. Do you have any recommendation for that especially moisturiser, shampoo and cleanser?
I know I should do the research too but are there some products/brands that you can recommend? Thanks!
I found a very affordable company that uses none of that in products. I have been trying to tell people about how harmful all this can be some think I have lost my mind thinking the fda or other govermnet agency would never let that happen. dawseydawn@yahoo.com Dawn Dawsey
Someone asked for products to recommend – try the line called: 100% Pure website: 100percentpure.com – their products truly are 100% unadulterated – check the ingredients list – they pride themselves on only using plant and fruit-infused ingredients. Also, try Nubian Heritage – they are amazing people that offer only the finest products. Also, try to get away from the store bought stuff (I know it’s convenient – but hey, we’re talking about our health right?) Alicia Silverstone just came out with a line of makeup products – again, a little pricey – but some of the things I’ve seen my friends spend money on is laughable. Oh, by the way, that first company I mentioned – 100% pure – they JUST came out with a new line of shampoos and conditions – really, give them a try.