Formaldehyde Free Skin Care and Formaldehyde Allergy
Formaldehyde Allergy To Skin Care Products
Do you have a formaldehyde allergy? If so, you need to avoid it in skin care products. It is one of the most common allergens in skin care products.
How to know if formaldehyde is in a skin care product, cosmetic or beauty product? Look for formaldehyde or formaldehyde- releasing ingredients on the skin care product label.
You will find a list of products that contain formaldehyde in this blog.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are in the top five of the most common ingredients to cause an allergy to skin care products. (1,2)
Formaldehyde is used in cosmetics as a preservative. However, the chemical name formaldehyde itself is rarely used on skincare labels due to bad publicity from frequent formaldehyde allergy – consumers know to avoid formaldehyde in skin care because of side effects such as skin irritation and allergic reactions. Instead, companies use other ingredients called formaldehyde-releasing preservative (FRPs). 56
Formaldehyde
List of ingredients to avoid if you have formaldehyde allergy
Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives List
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Bromonitropropane diol (Bronopol)
Diazolidinyl urea (Germall II)
DMDM hydantoin
Glyoxal
Imidazolidinyl urea (Germall)
Polyoxymethylene urea
Quaternium 15
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
What beauty products contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers?
Formaldehyde is in skin care products, hair straightening products and mascara and some nail polishes. The widespread use of formaldehyde containing masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, the incidence formaldehyde allergy increased. (3,4)
A 2015 study determined that long storage times and higher temperatures can increase the incidence of allergic reactions from formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing ingredients. (5)
Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives (FRPs) are among the most allergenic substances found in cosmetic products, making them a leading cause of contact dermatitis. Notably, these formaldehyde allergy reactions often manifest as eyelid dermatitis, resulting from the application of nail hardeners, lacquers, or makeup, such as mascara, blush, eye shadow, and foundation, all of which frequently contain FRPs. Furthermore, these preservatives can also be found in everyday items like shampoos, permanent-press clothing, cleaning agents, baby wipes, disinfectants, and even the sweetener aspartame. They are particularly problematic as they can be hidden within products marketed as “natural.” Interestingly, despite their potential for inducing sensitivity reactions, FRPs are still relatively prevalent in consumer products due to their effective antibacterial properties. The symptoms typically present as inflammation and redness in the areas of application, which can further develop into a more severe condition if left unchecked. Additionally, indirect exposure through cigarette smoke also poses risks, underscoring the ubiquity and potential harm of these preservatives.
What products contain formaldehyde
Shopping for Formaldehyde Free skin care
When you have a formaldehyde allergy, shopping for cosmetic is difficult. When seeking skin care products free of Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives (FRPs), it’s essential to read product labels carefully. These preservatives may be listed under names such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol), and glyoxal. These ingredients are often used in cosmetics, so it’s crucial to be aware of their presence. If a product lists any of these, it likely contains FRPs. Besides, remember that even some products labeled as “natural” can contain these preservatives. Therefore, you may want to consider seeking out products explicitly labeled as “formaldehyde-free” or “FRP-free.” Lastly, consulting with a dermatologist can be an effective way to find suitable skin care products, especially for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies. They can provide professional advice tailored to your specific skin type and needs, ensuring you can maintain your skin health without unnecessary risks. You can find a board certified dermatologist at AAD.org.
Contact dermatitis to formaldehyde
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen or irritant, such as Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives (FRPs).
Symptoms commonly include redness, itching, and sometimes swelling or blistering at the contact site. For instance, if a dermatology patient experiences repeated skin reactions such as red, itchy eyelids after applying mascara, inflamed cuticles or a rash around the eyes after using nail polish (yes this occurs around the eyes even though tis nail polish), and scalp or neck irritation following a hair straightening treatment, they may be allergic to formaldehyde or FRPs. Each of these products can potentially contain FRPs, and the consistent pattern of inflammation following their use strongly suggests a formaldehyde allergy. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
How do i know if i have a formaldehyde allergy
How to know if you have a formaldehyde allergy
The best way to diagnose a formaldehyde allergy is with patch testing by a dermatologist.
In a patch test, small amounts of potential allergens, including formaldehyde, are applied to the skin via adhesive patches. These are usually placed on the back and left in place for 48 hours. After removal, the skin is examined for any reactions, which typically would appear as a red, itchy bump. The dermatologist will then analyze the results approximately 72 to 96 hours after the initial application.
A positive reaction to the formaldehyde or FRP patch would confirm the presence of an allergy. This test should always be performed under medical supervision, as it requires careful interpretation and can occasionally trigger severe reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.