Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Preservatives are used in various products such as cosmetics, food, beverages, and medicines, and are important ingredients to maintain product quality. Among those preservatives, one is called “formaldehyde-releasing preservatives,” which have the property of slowly releasing a very small amount of formaldehyde over the storage period of the product. This property inhibits the growth of microorganisms and prevents product deterioration, such as discoloration and unpleasant odors.

Since some people have concerns about the health effects of formaldehyde, the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can sometimes be a cause for concern. The safety of preservatives, including formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, is rigorously evaluated by scientific agencies of regulatory authorities in many countries and regions. Based on the results of these evaluations, the types and maximum amounts of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives that can be used in each product are regulated by laws and regulations around the world. Additionally, the safety of formaldehyde released from formaldehyde-releasing preservatives has also been evaluated by scientific agencies in various countries and regions, and has been confirmed to be at safe concentrations in products.

Kao complies with the laws and regulations of all countries and regions in which we operate. Additionally, we conduct rigorous safety assessments and perform a wide range of product-use tests based on the Kao Safety Standards^* , so that you can use our products safely. Through these measures, we only use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in a few of our products at their lowest required concentration. However, considering the concerns of some consumers, we have already discontinued the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in our new products. In addition, we are in the process of reformulating our products to remove them from all of our products. We continuously explore new scientific findings relevant to the ingredients we use and review the safety of our in-market products. We are committed to continuing to develop our products for a better customer experience and increased product safety.