Cancer-Causing Formaldehyde Found in Toiletries

You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to take a shower, right? But, lately, that’s what it feels like. A recent study has revealed something pretty alarming: formaldehyde in personal care products is a lot more common than we thought. 

From shampoos and lotions to body soaps and even eyelash glue, this cancer-causing chemical is lurking in the everyday items we slather on our skin. And the scariest part? It’s not always clearly labeled.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself from hidden toxins in your daily routine.

Urgent Health Alert: Everyday Beauty Products Contaminated With Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative commonly used to extend the shelf life of products. It helps prevent bacteria growth, which sounds like a good thing – until you learn it’s also a known carcinogen.

Historically, the concern centered on formaldehyde in chemical hair straighteners and relaxers, but a recent study by the Silent Spring Institute shows that the problem goes much deeper. 

Researchers analyzed over 1,100 personal care products used by women in Los Angeles and found that 53% contained formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These hidden toxins aren’t just in niche products. They’re in your shampoo, moisturizer, and even deodorant.

One of the biggest culprits is DMDM hydantoin, a common formaldehyde releaser found in nearly half of skincare products and more than half of hair products tested.

Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Toiletries: The Hidden Risk

Formaldehyde doesn’t just sit quietly in your lotion. Over time, especially when heated or stored in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, it can be released as a gas. 

Then, we inhale it without realizing, which can lead to a host of health issues, from eye and throat irritation to more serious risks like head and neck cancers, or even leukemia with repeated exposure.

The American Cancer Society confirms the link between formaldehyde and several types of cancer in both human and animal studies. That’s why Europe and at least 10 U.S. states have already banned or proposed to ban formaldehyde and its sneaky sidekicks in personal care items. In 2023, the FDA also put forth a ban, but it hasn’t taken effect yet.

The Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color

One of the most sobering findings of the Silent Spring study is how these dangerous beauty product ingredients affect communities differently. Many of the products found to contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are specifically marketed to Black and Latina women, particularly hair care products.

Janette Robinson Flint, executive director of Black Women for Wellness, explained that many women of color feel pressured to meet beauty standards that lead them to use more products, unknowingly exposing themselves to toxic ingredients in skincare and haircare routines.

What to Look for: Personal Care Products to Avoid

So, how do you know what’s safe? Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious. Manufacturers don’t put formaldehyde health warnings on the label. 

Instead, they go by long, science-y names that are hard to decode. Some of the most common ones include:

• DMDM hydantoin

• Quaternium-15

• Imidazolidinyl urea

• Diazolidinyl urea

• Bronopol

• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Start checking labels and seeking out products that are clearly marked formaldehyde-free or certified by trusted third-party organizations.

How to Protect Yourself from Formaldehyde Health Risks

Protecting yourself doesn’t mean tossing everything in your bathroom. But, small changes can make a big difference:

• Check Labels: Avoid products with known formaldehyde releasers.

• Ventilate Your Space: Especially your bathroom, where heat and humidity can release more toxins into the air.

• Use Fewer Products: Simplifying your routine can reduce exposure.

• Support Safer Brands: Look for clean beauty lines that disclose ingredients clearly.

• Push for Better Regulations: Consumers have power. Advocate for better labeling laws and chemical bans like those already in place in Europe.

Formaldehyde in Personal Care Products Isn’t Just a Labeling Issue

It’s frustrating – and kind of outrageous – that, in 2025, we still have to worry about formaldehyde in personal care products. This isn’t about being paranoid or trendy with clean beauty. It’s about avoiding dangerous beauty product ingredients that can impact our health in serious ways over time.

We shouldn’t have to be chemists to stay safe. But, until regulations can catch up, knowledge is our best defense. Let’s make sure we check our labels, make mindful choices, and never feel afraid to ask questions. We deserve products that care for our bodies, not poison them.