Carcinogenic Formaldehyde Uncovered in Popular Beauty Products

Chemical-Free-Life.org, , ,

Formaldehyde* has recently been uncovered in numerous beauty products in the U.S.  In fact, the Washington State Department of Ecology found 26 of 40 different beauty product samples tested contained formaldehyde in amounts that can be harmful to humans. Formaldehyde is present in nail polishes, hair-smoothing products, body wash, and various makeup products. According to researchers, formaldehyde is included in beauty products to prevent bacterial growth. In most cases, cosmetic manufacturers add ‘methylene glycol’ or another chemical to release formaldehyde.

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Background

The Washington State Department of Ecology tested 40 different cosmetics for formaldehyde, the products tested did not list formaldehyde as an ingredient in the product on the label. Products were purchased from Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, and Fred Meyer.

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Key findings:

  1. Formaldehyde was found in seven out of 10 skin lotions, nine out of 10 leave-in conditioners, and all 10 hair styling gels.
  2. Hair styling gels and creams usually contained more formaldehyde, ranging from 254 ppm to 1660 ppm. (Note: Levels of formaldehyde over 250 parts per million can lead to potential health concerns.)
  3. Shine ‘n Jam Extra Hold Conditioning Styling Gel available from Walmart had the highest level of formaldehyde.
  4. Formaldehyde was not present in the powder foundations tested.
  5. A Dollar Tree product marked for children contained Perfect Purity for Kids Watermelon Spritz Spray Detangler, which contained formaldehyde at 214 ppm.

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Formaldehyde in lotions and creams

Products with a concentration of formaldehyde over 250 ppm include:

  • Spa Naturals Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream – 603 ppm
  • XtraCare Diabetics’ Hydrating Lotion – 535 ppm
  • PerCara Aloe Vera Deep Moisturizing Daily Lotion – 343 ppm
  • Keri Original Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion – 271 ppm

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Formaldehyde in leave-in hair conditioners

Conditioner products with amounts of formaldehyde over 250 ppm:

  • Luster’s S Curl Activator Moisturizer Leave-in Conditioner – 654 ppm
  • Aussie Miracle Curls Creme Pudding – 488 ppm
  • Salon Selectives Instant Repair Leave in Conditioner – 411 ppm
  • Infusium Original Leave-in Treatment Conditioner – 342 ppm (estimate)
  • Salon Selectives Curl Control Curl Stretch Cream – 332 ppm
  • ORS Replenishing Conditioner – 322 ppm
  • Paul Mitchell Original Leave-In Conditioner – 265 ppm

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Formaldehyde in hair products

All styling gels and creams included formaldehyde over 250 ppm. Here are the products possessing more than 500ppm:

  • Shine ‘n Jam Extra Hold Conditioning Styling Gel – 1660 ppm
  • ORS Lock & Twist Styling Gel – 716 ppm
  • Ampro Pro Styl Protein Styling Gel – 593 ppm
  • Pantene Gold Series Curl Defining Pudding – 529 ppm
  • Herbal Essences Curl Defining Styling Cream – 524 ppm
  • Aussie Head Strong Volume Styling Gel – 500 ppm

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*According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen due to high amounts of exposure linked to different forms of cancer. 

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