Author(s) :

Cindy Shen.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Cosmetic products are often water-based and prone to growing bacteria and fungi. Therefore, preservatives like formaldehyde-releasers are used in formulations to inhibit bacterial growth, with 20% of cosmetic products in the U.S. containing at least one type of formaldehyde-releaser. Diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are two widely used formaldehyde-releasing agents that act as preservatives in cosmetic products by gradually decomposing to release formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals, highlighting the necessity to find skin-safe alternatives. Natural compounds and essential oils like cinnamaldehyde and tea tree oil are safer and cheaper alternatives to harmful formaldehyde-releasers. Their antimicrobial effects and lower toxicity levels emphasize the need to continue researching their synergistic effects with each other in cosmetic formulations.