Description
Formaldehyde is an organic compound belonging to the chemical class of aldehydes, specifically the simplest aldehyde.
Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products of the European Union, Formaldehyde is listed in Annex II, reference 1577, corresponding to the list of substances prohibited in the composition of cosmetic products. This listing means that the substance cannot be intentionally incorporated as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations marketed in the European market. In addition, the substance has a harmonized classification as Carcinogenic Category 1B and Mutagenic Category 2 under the classification regime for hazardous substances applicable in the European Union. As a prohibited substance included in Annex II, no values of maximum authorized concentration, specific conditions of use, authorized product types or mandatory labelling warnings are established, since its intentional presence as an ingredient is not permitted in any category of cosmetic product.
The substances listed in Annex II of the European cosmetics regulation constitute the catalog of compounds whose intentional incorporation into cosmetic products is excluded from the European Union market, regardless of their potential technical function. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.