It is known that Formaldehyde is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Group 1 (carcinogens to humans), specially for the respiratory tracts, and is thus strictly regulated in Europe. Its high allergenic potential is also known, which has just been reconfirmed in hair straightening products in the United States. What motivates a review of its rules of use by the industry.
December 14, 2010
The US
Personal Care Products Council
says it has joined the
Food and Drug Administration
in asking the
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
(CIR) Expert Panel to review guidelines on the use of
formaldehyde
in beauty products following consumer complaints of
undesirable effects
to two hair smoothing products that have been reported to contain high levels of the substance.
Last month the FDA said it was investigating the claims and whether unsafe levels of formaldehyde are being released into the air once these products are applied to the hair and then heated. When hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde are heated, they can release low levels of formaldehyde gas, says the Council. "Formaldehyde and methylene glycol are sensitising agents, and consumers may experience allergic reactions if they become sensitised."
The Council says the CIR Expert Panel last reviewed the use of formaldehyde in beauty products in 2005 and concluded that, ‘… because of skin sensitivity of some individuals to this agent, the formulation and manufacture of a cosmetic product should be such as to ensure use at the minimal effective concentration of formaldehyde, not to exceed 0.2% measured as free formaldehyde. It cannot be concluded that formaldehyde is safe …
