Hidden Dangers in Your Bathroom: Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives in Everyday Personal Care Products

A new study from the Silent Spring Institute has uncovered a concerning reality: more than half of Black and Latina women in Los Angeles are using personal care products that contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives-a class of chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks. This groundbreaking research highlights critical gaps in consumer protection and regulatory oversight in the United States, especially for women of color.

What Are Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives?

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are chemicals added to personal care products to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Unlike products that contain formaldehyde directly, these preservatives slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde over time, often without the word “formaldehyde” appearing anywhere on the label.

Common FRPs include:

• DMDM hydantoin

• Quaternium-15

• Imidazolidinyl urea

• Diazolidinyl urea

• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

• Bronopol

These chemicals are found in a wide range of products, from lotions and shampoos to body soaps and eyelash glue.

The Study: Real-World Exposure

Researchers partnered with community organizations to recruit 70 Black and Latina women in Los Angeles. Over five to seven days, participants used a smartphone app to log every personal care product they used and photograph ingredient labels. The team then analyzed over 1,100 products for the presence of formaldehyde and FRPs.

Key findings:

• 53% of participants reported using at least one product containing a formaldehyde releaser.

• Many of these products were used daily or multiple times per week, increasing cumulative exposure.

• DMDM hydantoin was the most common FRP, found in nearly half of skincare products and 58% of hair products containing FRPs.

Why Is This a Problem?

Formaldehyde is a well-established human carcinogen. Repeated exposure-even at low levels-can add up over time, potentially increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues. The study’s lead author, Dr. Robin Dodson, emphasized, “These chemicals are in products we use all the time, all over our bodies. Repeated exposures like these can add up and cause serious harm”.

The issue is particularly acute for Black and Latina women, who often use a greater variety of personal care products to conform to societal beauty standards. This leads to disproportionate exposure and health risks.

The Challenge: Spotting Hidden Ingredients

One of the most troubling aspects is how difficult it is for consumers to identify these chemicals. FRPs often have long, unfamiliar names and rarely include the word “formaldehyde”. Even chemists can struggle to spot them on ingredient lists.

What Can Be Done?

For consumers:

• Learn to recognize common FRP names like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and imidazolidinyl urea.

• Seek out products labeled as “formaldehyde-free” or consult resources from organizations like Silent Spring Institute and Black Women for Wellness for safer alternatives.

For policymakers:

• The European Union and at least 10 U.S. states have already banned or proposed bans on formaldehyde and FRPs in personal care products.

• The FDA proposed a national ban on these chemicals in hair straighteners in 2023, but it has not yet been enacted.

For companies:

• The best-case scenario, according to researchers, is for manufacturers to stop using formaldehyde-releasing preservatives altogether.

Final Thoughts

This new research is a wake-up call for consumers, companies, and regulators alike. We shouldn’t have to be chemists to stay safe from toxic ingredients in everyday products. Until stronger regulations are in place, education and advocacy remain our best tools for protecting ourselves and our communities.

For more information and tips on avoiding formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, visit the Silent Spring Institute’s website.