Formaldehyde releaser

Formaldehyde-releasers are added to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life.

[1] The intent of these compounds is that they release formaldehyde at levels that suppress microbial growth but sufficiently low to not threaten humans.

Examples: They are found in fuels, cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning agents, adhesives, paints, lacquers, fertilizers, and metalworking fluids.

formaldehyde in cosmetic products can cause contact dermatitis in short-term use on normal skin.

[16] The American Cancer Society states that although quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen in laboratory test animals at relatively high doses, because the amount of formaldehyde released from these products is low, it is unclear that avoiding quaternium-15 in cosmetics provides any health benefits.

[18] Formaldehyde in the EU is restricted to a maximum allowed concentration in finished products no greater than 0.2%.

[19] The FDA requires that cosmetics have an effective preservative, and microbial challenge testing is conducted.