Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
In today’s global cosmetics and personal care market, formaldehyde-free has become more than just a trend—it is now a standard of safety and quality that consumers demand. Traditional preservatives such as formaldehyde-releasing agents were once widely used in shampoos, lotions, creams, and wet wipes because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy. However, growing awareness of health concerns and stricter regulatory requirements have accelerated the transition to formaldehyde-free preservatives.
As a professional preservative manufacturer and preservative supplier, Easychem focuses on providing safe and effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of the cosmetics and personal care industries. This article explores the importance of formaldehyde-free preservatives, their benefits, alternatives, applications, and how Easychem supports global customers with compliant and innovative solutions.
A formaldehyde-free product does not contain formaldehyde or ingredients that release formaldehyde during storage and use. Common formaldehyde-releasing preservatives include:
Quaternium-15
These substances release small amounts of formaldehyde into formulations to prevent microbial growth. While effective, they are increasingly restricted by regulations and avoided by consumers who prioritize clean beauty and safe cosmetics.
By contrast, formaldehyde-free preservatives achieve antimicrobial efficacy without releasing formaldehyde, making them safer for sensitive skin, compliant with international cosmetic regulations, and more appealing to consumers.
There are several effective formaldehyde-free preservative systems widely used by cosmetic formulators. As a preservative manufacturer and supplier, Easychem provides a full portfolio of formaldehyde-free alternatives that meet both technical requirements and international regulations:
Phenoxyethanol and Blends (with Ethylhexylglycerin or Caprylyl Glycol)
Alcohols and Glycols (Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol)
Organic Acids and Salts (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Levulinic Acid)
Natural Fermentation-Derived Preservatives (Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment)
Silver-Based Preservatives (Silver Citrate, Silver Chloride)
Other Synthetic Options (Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin)
| Product / Blend | Chemical Type | Common Applications | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenoxyethanol | Glycol ether | Creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, baby care | Broad-spectrum, stable pH range (3–10), widely approved worldwide |
| Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin | Glycol ether + glyceryl derivative | Serums, facial creams, deodorants | Enhanced efficacy, skin-friendly, paraben-free |
| Phenoxyethanol + Caprylyl Glycol | Glycol ether + diol | Lotions, gels, cleansers | Synergistic antimicrobial activity, good moisturizing properties |
| Benzyl Alcohol | Aromatic alcohol | Natural/organic skincare, baby lotions | Accepted in natural standards (COSMOS, ECOCERT), fragrance masking effect |
| Caprylyl Glycol | Diol | Creams, gels, wipes | Provides both antimicrobial activity and humectancy |
| 1,2-Hexanediol | Diol | Sunscreens, emulsions, wet wipes | Strong antibacterial, low odor, compatible in multiple systems |
| Pentylene Glycol | Diol | Creams, serums, makeup removers | Dual function: humectant + antimicrobial booster, safe and versatile |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | Glyceryl derivative | Creams, serums, wipes | Boosts preservative efficacy, skin-conditioning |
| Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate | Organic acid salts | Shampoos, liquid soaps, acidic formulations | Food-grade, mild, ideal for natural/eco-friendly cosmetics |
| Dehydroacetic Acid (DHA) | Organic acid | Skincare, haircare, makeup | Biodegradable, effective in blends, broad acceptance |
| Chlorphenesin | Synthetic compound | Creams, gels, lotions | Effective against fungi, often used in blends |
| PHMB (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide) | Polymeric biguanide | Wet wipes, toners, mouthwash, wound care | Formaldehyde-Free, strong antimicrobial action, effective at low concentrations, widely used in healthcare & cosmetics |
| Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) | Quaternary ammonium compound | Wet wipes, sanitizers, cleansing solutions | Formaldehyde-Free, broad antimicrobial spectrum, widely used in hygiene & cosmetic products |
| Category | Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives | Formaldehyde-Free Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15 | Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Organic Acids, Botanical Ferments |
| Mode of Action | Slowly release formaldehyde inside formulation to kill bacteria, yeast, and fungi | Direct antimicrobial activity without releasing formaldehyde |
| Efficacy | Broad-spectrum, effective at low concentrations | Effective, but often requires combination systems for full-spectrum protection |
| Safety Profile | Potential allergen; linked to irritation and sensitization; classified as a potential carcinogen | Considered safer; generally well-tolerated by skin; aligns with “clean beauty” standards |
| Regulatory Status | Restricted or banned in EU, ASEAN, and certain U.S. states | Globally accepted; compatible with natural and organic certifications |
| Consumer Perception | Negative due to association with “formaldehyde” and health risks | Positive; associated with safety, sustainability, and modern cosmetic trends |
| Applications | Previously used in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and wet wipes | Widely used in skincare, haircare, baby care, hygiene products, and natural formulations |
1. Skincare Products
Lotions, creams, serums, and face masks benefit from formaldehyde-free preservative systems that prevent microbial growth while ensuring skin compatibility.
2. Haircare Products
Shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks often require preservatives that remain stable in aqueous and surfactant-rich environments. Formaldehyde-free alternatives provide stability without consumer concerns.
3. Personal Hygiene and Baby Care
Wet wipes, hand sanitizers, and baby lotions demand the highest safety standards. Using formaldehyde-free preservatives protects vulnerable skin while meeting regulatory guidelines.
4. Industrial and Household Applications
Beyond cosmetics, formaldehyde-free preservatives are used in paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents where consumer and environmental safety are priorities.
At Easychem, we specialize in offering a wide range of formaldehyde-free preservatives for cosmetics, personal care, and industrial applications. As a trusted preservative manufacturer and preservative supplier, our advantages include:
Comprehensive Product Portfolio: Covering phenoxyethanol systems, organic acids, and natural preservative blends
Regulatory Expertise: Ensuring compliance with EU, ASEAN, FDA, and other international standards
Technical Support: Providing formulation advice, challenge testing, and customized preservative systems
Halal and Certified Quality: Products from Suzhou Easy Chemical Co., Ltd. with Halal certificates, ensuring global market acceptance
With Easychem, customers can confidently choose formaldehyde-free preservatives that meet both technical requirements and market expectations.
The global cosmetics and personal care industries are moving rapidly toward formaldehyde-free solutions. Consumers demand safer products, regulators impose stricter controls, and brands must adapt to remain competitive. By adopting formaldehyde-free preservatives, companies not only ensure product safety and compliance but also align with the values of clean beauty, sustainability, and consumer trust.
As a leading preservative manufacturer and preservative supplier, Easychem provides innovative and reliable preservative systems tailored to customer needs. Whether for skincare, haircare, baby products, or industrial applications, Easychem ensures that every product remains safe, stable, and compliant—without formaldehyde.
Ready to source Formaldehyde-free Preservatives?
Suzhou easy chemical co. ltd
388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
Contact： Joyce Yu
MB: +86 13962653966
Tel: 0512- 57554186
Whatsapp&Wechat: +86 13962653966
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