Another regulation is reshaping the landscape of cosmetic preservation. Washington State has officially adopted restrictions on 25 formaldehyde-releasing substances (intnetionally added) commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. The aim is to reduce consumer and worker exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and drive the industry toward safer alternatives. For cosmetic formulators, this marks yet another step in the global tightening of preservative regulations, reinforcing the need to review ingredient choices and prepare for reformulation
Substances Affected:
The banned chemicals include some common cosmetic preservatives such as:
· DMDM Hydantoin
· Diazolidinyl Urea
· Imidazolidinyl Urea
· Quaternium-15
· Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin (PTSAF)
· 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol)
· Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
· Polyoxymethylene Urea (POM)
· Polyoxymethylene Melamine
· 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3-Dioxane (Bronidox)
· 7-Ethylbicyclo-oxazolidine (Bioban CS1246)
· Benzylhemiformal
· Dimethylhydantoin Formaldehyde (DMHF)
· Dimethylol Glycol
· Dimethylol Urea
· Dimethyl Oxazolidine
· MDM Hydantoin
· Methenamine
· Methylal
· Paraformaldehyde
· Polyoxymethylene
· Tetramethylolglycoluril
· Timonacic (when used in heat-activated hair straighteners)
· Tris-Hydroxymethylnitromethane
· Urea, polymer with formaldehyde, isobutylated
Effective Compliance Timeline:
- Rule adopted: August 28, 2025
- Rule becomes effective: September 28, 2025
- Restrictions on use begin: January 1, 2027
- Sell-through deadline for existing stock: December 31, 2027
You can read the Department of Ecology press release
To find formaldehyde relaser preservatives alternatives please visit our compendium