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Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment

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Hidden formaldehyde in cosmetic products.

Rebekka Søgaard¹, Pia Brunn Poulsen², Rikke Munch Gelardi²

¹The National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Allergy, Dermatology and Venerology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.

Contact Dermatitis

|August 19, 2024

Summary

Hidden formaldehyde was detected in 18% of cosmetic products lacking formaldehyde releasers. This finding highlights the need for regulatory changes to prevent allergic contact dermatitis caused by undeclared formaldehyde in cosmetics.

Keywords:

allergic contact dermatitis contact allergy formaldehyde formaldehyde‐releaser

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Area of Science:

Cosmetic Science
Dermatology
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Formaldehyde is a frequent trigger for contact allergies.
Previous research identified formaldehyde in cosmetic products, often without explicit labeling of formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify and identify the sources of "hidden" formaldehyde in leave-on cosmetic products.
To assess the prevalence of formaldehyde in products not listing formaldehyde releasers.

Main Methods:

Analyzed 142 cosmetic products (mostly creams) for formaldehyde release using the chromotropic acid (CA) method.
Investigated 130 products without listed formaldehyde releasers and 12 with them.
Utilized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for products testing positive for formaldehyde (≥2.5 ppm) via CA method.

Main Results:

Hidden formaldehyde was present in 23 of 130 (18%) products without listed formaldehyde releasers.
Average formaldehyde levels were 105 ppm in products with hidden formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde impurities in dihydroxyacetone were identified as a potential source in self-tanners.

Conclusions:

Regulatory adjustments are necessary to mitigate risks associated with hidden formaldehyde in cosmetics.
Preventing allergic contact dermatitis requires addressing undeclared formaldehyde sources.