Common personal care and beauty products like lotions, soaps, shampoos, eyeliner, and even eyelash glue can contain formaldehyde or preservatives that release formaldehyde—a known carcinogen that has ... (WXYZ) — A new study reveals that many everyday beauty products contain cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde. The impact is especially significant for women ...

Understanding the Context

When produced in the atmosphere by the action of sunlight and oxygen on atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, it becomes part of smog. Formaldehyde has also been detected in outer space. Formaldehyde is a chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes.

Key Insights

Formaldehyde is toxic to humans, causing respiratory side effects and increasing the risk of certain cancers. Learn when exposure may be dangerous. A fact sheet that discusses formaldehyde and its possible association with cancer. Includes resources for more information. Formaldehyde is a gaseous pollutant produced by both human activity and natural sources.

Final Thoughts

Combustion processes account directly or indirectly for most of the formaldehyde entering the environment. Formaldehyde is naturally produced in small amounts in our bodies. It is used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins. It is also used as a preservative in some foods and in many products used around the house, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics.