Hidden Dangers: Cancer causing Formaldehyde found in shampoos, lotions and body soaps

It has become increasingly scary for consumers to deal with putting something on the skin, triggering conversations about clean beauty in the personal care industry. It seems that shelves are loaded with paraben-free, sulphate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free claims. But one crucial gap still exists. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are seldomly found with labels. Considered a carcinogen, it is sold to the public in minute quantities in formaldehyde-containing personal care products like shampoo, lotion, and body soap, and a careful eye does not always detect these ingredients, whereas some unscrupulous formulators have incorporated these ingredients knowingly.

The key point is that formaldehyde is used as an efficient preservative. It is usually added during the manufacturing process of any product to add shelf life and protection from microbes. But its use often goes beyond necessity. In many situations, formaldehyde is used to cover up a shortfall in manufacturing practices-having contaminated water or production environments lacking in hygiene. With the addition of formaldehyde or the compounds that release it, the products can be sterilized to death once unwanted bacteria have been introduced through faulty processes.

This ugly scenario is especially disquieting given the fact that it is a Class I carcinogen, as assigned by international health authorities because of the conclusively-known carcinogenic properties of this chemical. Keeping the routine use of formaldehyde products in view, particularly those that stay on the skin throughout the day, such as lotions and creams, victims are subjected to prolonged exposure to this harmful chemical-maybe for the duration of their lifetime. The chances are not hypothetical. Long-term exposure, even to tiny amounts, can result in issues such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, respiratory issues; and longer-term, severe conditions, such as some cancers.

On occasion, formaldehyde is not actually listed as an ingredient, but is released from preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, or quaternium-15. They slowly release tiny amounts of formaldehyde, so they can act as antimicrobial agents. Their use is allowed by law in many countries, but only within specific limits. The problem lies when these limits are ignored by manufacturers, or they purposely use these substances as a cover-up for poor hygiene and substandard ingredient quality.

Some countries adopt a much more stringent stance by going so far as to prohibit the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics. In these markets, the regulatory framework forces companies to invest in cleaner formulations, higher quality ingredients, and better manufacturing practices. However, regions with more relaxed controls may see products containing unsafe levels of these chemicals still being sold on shelves, thus putting unsuspecting consumers at risk.

Current trends in India show an increase in demand for clean beauty products. While all sorts of labels go proudly shouting Silicon free or Gluten free, the conspicuous absence of claims for aldehyde free or formaldehyde free is something the industry should look to address. If the industry targets anything it ought to promote as a consumer claim, it should be that products do not carry formaldehyde or any of its derivatives.

From a manufacturing perspective, safer alternatives are widely available. A combination of good manufacturing practices, the use of purified water and mild preservatives can effectively ensure product stability and safety. When companies take the ethical route by selecting ingredients responsibly and maintaining hygiene standards, the need for formaldehyde vanishes altogether.

We collaborate with beauty brands in our testing labs, who are willing to undergo the certification process to confirm their products’ freedom from formaldehyde, thus creating a reputation for responsibility. With the goal of recognizing the correct concentration of formaldehyde in the articles we use High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). That combined approach is so effective that it can find the least number of formaldehydes. These techniques do not only serve for the industry and can strengthen their connection with regulatory mechanisms of the quality of their products but also to be safer for the consumers by eliminating hazardous chemicals are certainly the benefits obtained from the implement of such. Interestingly, we sometimes discover formaldehyde in products even when it was not deliberately added. This can occur when raw materials that are contaminated or pre blended are used. It's also possible for producers to use third-party materials with formaldehyde and that way expose the supply chains to some extra risk without their awareness.

Supposing that you are the representative of a brand or a formulator, the scrutiny of the sourcing practices and seeking information about the ingredients' transparency will be beneficial. All who take part in the supply chain should: material suppliers, manufacturers of finished goods and even their transporters, take responsible actions to eliminate the risks of harmful chemicals and strictly implement the safety testing process to support the product safety.
It is time for the consumers to be more careful as well. Being able to read the labels, based on ingredient research, and lifting the bar for the brands they like will be the push needed in the industry on the production of clean, safer products. Also, the regulatory authorities should update their safety standards and carry out regular tests for the protection of the public's health.

In conclusion, the conversation around clean beauty must go beyond surface level claims and trend driven marketing. Formaldehyde is not just another chemical. It is a proven health hazard with no place in a product designed for daily use. The good news is that alternatives exist, and with the right manufacturing ethics and consumer awareness, a truly clean and safe beauty ecosystem is within reach. Let the next wave of clean beauty be one that does not just look good on the label but truly delivers on safety and integrity.