If you've been hearing more about formaldehyde in beauty products lately, there's a good reason for it. New cosmetic regulations have just come into effect in Great Britain, including updated labelling rules for products that contain certain preservatives which release formaldehyde.
For hairdressers, beauty therapists, nail technicians, and salon owners, an ingredient rule change like this can immediately raise questions.
Do you need to stop using certain products? Which bottles and pots should you check? And what does a "releases formaldehyde" warning mean?
The good news? You don't need to work out how much formaldehyde a product releases. But knowing what’s changed and what to look for when you’re checking your stock will help you buy, use, and recommend products with confidence.
Here’s a quick guide to what salon pros need to know about the 2026 formaldehyde labelling changes.
What Changed and When?
From 15 July 2026, new requirements took effect in England, Scotland and Wales for cosmetic products containing certain preservatives that release formaldehyde.
Under the updated rules, finished cosmetic products containing substances listed as permitted preservatives in Annex V must carry the warning "releases formaldehyde" where the concentration of formaldehyde released in the finished product exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm).
Previously, that warning threshold was 0.05% (500 ppm).
In other words, the warning now kicks in at a much lower level than before.
The old threshold and the new one
For salon professionals, the most useful numbers to remember are:
- Old warning threshold: 0.05% formaldehyde
- New warning threshold: 0.001% formaldehyde
- New requirement applies from: 15 July 2026
This doesn’t mean every product linked to formaldehyde is suddenly off the shelves.
The change concerns when certain cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives must display the "releases formaldehyde" warning.
Which regulations introduced the change?
Great Britain introduced the change through The Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026.
The legislation amended the preamble to Annex V of the GB Cosmetics Regulation, which covers permitted preservatives in cosmetic products.
This is just one of several ingredient rule changes happening in 2026, so keep it separate from other updates you might have seen, like the changes for TPO.
Why Has the Formaldehyde Labelling Threshold Changed?
The lower threshold is intended to better protect people who are already sensitive or allergic to formaldehyde.
Under the previous rules, the warning was required where formaldehyde released exceeded 0.05%. However, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) concluded that the existing threshold wasn't sufficient to protect sensitised consumers.
The group considered a threshold of up to 10 ppm, equivalent to 0.001%, sufficiently protective for leave-on products and likely sufficiently protective for rinse-off products too.
So the key thing to remember is that this is about the warning threshold, not a total ban on formaldehyde.
What Is a Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservative?
Formaldehyde is a colourless chemical with a strong smell, but the 2026 rule isn’t just about spotting the word "formaldehyde" on your ingredient list.
Some preservatives used in cosmetic formulations can gradually release very small amounts of formaldehyde. These are known as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or formaldehyde releasers.
Preservatives have an important job in cosmetics: they help control microbial growth and keep products safe and stable during their intended shelf life.
The new regulation changes when products containing relevant preservatives must carry an additional warning, based on the amount of formaldehyde released by the finished formulation.
Common formaldehyde releasers you may see on an INCI list
When reviewing products, some formaldehyde-releasing preservatives you may come across include:
- DMDM Hydantoin – a preservative that may be found in some haircare, skincare and personal-care formulations.
- Imidazolidinyl Urea – another preservative historically used across some cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
- Diazolidinyl Urea – a preservative with similar uses across some water-based cosmetic formulations.
- Quaternium-15 – a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that may appear in some cosmetic formulations.
There are other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives out there too, so don’t treat this as a complete list.
Just because you spot one of these names on an INCI list doesn’t mean the product releases formaldehyde above the new 0.001% threshold.
You’re not expected to figure that out from the ingredient list alone.
Instead, use the INCI list as a prompt to check the product’s label, and if you’re unsure, ask your supplier or the manufacturer to confirm if it’s compliant.
Which Product Categories Are Most Likely to Be Affected?
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can show up in lots of different types of products, so there’s not just one shelf in your salon to check.
The easiest way is to go through your stock by category. The ingredient names can vary depending on the product, so we've put together a quick reference guide to some of the names you might come across on an INCI list.
|
Salon product type |
Ingredient names to look for |
|---|---|
|
Nail hardeners and nail treatments |
Formaldehyde, Methylene Glycol and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as DMDM Hydantoin, where present |
|
Keratin and hair-smoothing treatments |
Formaldehyde, Methylene Glycol and DMDM Hydantoin, where present |
|
Shampoos and conditioners |
DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea |
|
Skincare products |
Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin and Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol) |
For more help checking product labels, see our guide to reading an INCI list.
Nail hardeners and nail treatments
Formaldehyde has long been associated with some nail-hardening products, while formaldehyde-related ingredients and resins can also be used in certain nail formulations.
If you carry nail hardeners, strengtheners, treatments, or other specialist nail products, check each product’s ingredient list and label - don’t assume every nail product is affected.
This update is separate from the 2026 TPO regulation changes for some nail products, so don’t mix them up when you’re checking your stock.
Keratin and smoothing treatments
Formaldehyde is also commonly discussed in relation to professional keratin, straightening and smoothing treatments.
Some smoothing products have historically been associated with formaldehyde or ingredients that can release formaldehyde, particularly when the product is heated during a service.
However, this is slightly different from the specific 2026 labelling change covered in this article. The new rule relates to the amount of formaldehyde released by certain preservatives in a finished cosmetic product and when the warning "releases formaldehyde" must appear on its label.
If you offer smoothing or straightening treatments, don't assume a product is affected by the new rule simply because you've heard formaldehyde mentioned in relation to this type of treatment.
Check the information supplied with the individual product and always follow the manufacturer's safety and usage instructions.
Shampoos, conditioners and styling products
Preservatives are particularly relevant to formulations containing water, where protection against microbial contamination may be necessary.
So some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products might contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, depending on the formula.
Always check the INCI list instead of judging a product just by its category.
Skincare and other beauty products
The same principle applies to skincare and other cosmetic products used or retailed within a beauty salon.
Creams, lotions, gels, and other formulas might need preservatives, but that doesn’t mean every product uses a formaldehyde-releasing one.
It all comes down to the individual formula.
How to Check Your Existing Salon Stock
Here’s where the regulation gets more practical for your day-to-day.
You don’t need to spend hours trying to calculate chemical concentrations for every bottle in your salon. Instead, just work through the products you use and retail, one by one.
1. Start with the product label
Check the packaging and ingredient information supplied with the product.
For new stock, you might now see the words "releases formaldehyde" on the label if the product goes over the new threshold.
2. Scan the INCI list
Look out for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, and Quaternium-15.
If you spot one, it doesn’t automatically mean the product isn’t compliant, and it won’t tell you how much formaldehyde the finished formula actually releases.
Take it as a prompt to check the product info more closely.
3. Don't try to calculate the 0.001% yourself
An INCI list tells you what’s in the product, but it usually won’t give you the info you need to work out how much formaldehyde is released.
That’s something for the manufacturer or supplier to handle.
In Great Britain, cosmetic products placed on the market must have a designated Responsible Person, who has legal responsibilities for product compliance. OPSS guidance also sets out obligations applying to Responsible Persons and distributors.
4. Check when and where you bought the product
Keep supplier invoices, order records and batch information where available.
This can make it easier to establish when a product entered the supply chain and to contact the correct supplier if you need clarification.
5. Ask when you're unsure
If you’re still not sure about a product’s labelling, reach out to your supplier or the manufacturer.
Ask them directly if the product meets the current Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation and if it’s affected by the new formaldehyde warning threshold.
That’s much safer than trying to figure it out yourself.
What Does "Releases Formaldehyde" on a Product Mean?
Spotting those words on a product can sound alarming, especially for clients who haven’t heard about the rule change.
But the warning has a specific meaning.
It is required for relevant finished cosmetic products containing Annex V preservatives where the concentration of formaldehyde released exceeds 0.001%.
Since the threshold dropped from 0.05%, products can now need the warning at much lower levels than before.
So if a product you know suddenly has the warning, it doesn’t mean the formula has changed or that it’s been banned. It probably just means the labelling rules are stricter now.
What Should You Do If a Product in Your Stock No Longer Complies?
Don’t assume every older product without the new warning needs to go in the bin.
Transitional arrangements apply.
CTPA's current guidance states that for the formaldehyde-releaser labelling amendment, the placing-on-the-market deadline was 15 July 2026, while the making-available/off-shelf deadline is 14 January 2027.
That difference matters when you’re checking stock you bought around the changeover.
Instead of guessing if an older product is compliant, contact your supplier or manufacturer with the product and batch details and ask them to confirm.
If you’re told a product shouldn’t be sold or used, follow the instructions from your supplier or manufacturer.
Guidance last checked: 9 September 2026.
Do Salons Need to Calculate Formaldehyde Levels?
No.
The new threshold doesn’t mean you need to become a cosmetic chemist.
Manufacturers and Responsible Persons must ensure products meet relevant regulatory requirements, including appropriate labelling.
For salons, the practical steps are simple: buy from reputable suppliers, check the info that comes with your products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
What Should Salon Professionals Do Now?
For most salons and freelancers, this is just about managing your stock and staying aware of what’s in your products - it’s not a reason to panic.
Check the products you use and retail, especially when new stock comes in. Get familiar with the "releases formaldehyde" wording and some of the preservative names you might see on INCI lists.
Keep your invoices and supplier details handy so you can trace products easily, and make sure your whole team knows about the basic change.
Most importantly, don’t make assumptions based on a product category or something you saw on social media. If you’re not sure about a formula, ask the brand, manufacturer, or your professional supplier.
How Should You Talk to Clients About Formaldehyde?
Ingredient news travels quickly online, and regulatory terminology can easily become a much more dramatic headline.
A client may arrive having read that "formaldehyde has been banned" or that a particular type of beauty treatment is suddenly unsafe.
You don’t need to dismiss their concerns, but you also don’t need to guess or speculate.
You can explain that Great Britain’s cosmetics regulations changed in July 2026, and the threshold for the "releases formaldehyde" warning dropped from 0.05% to 0.001%.
If they ask about the safety or formula of a specific product, refer to the manufacturer’s info instead of making claims you can’t back up.
Is Formaldehyde Being Banned From UK Cosmetics?
The 2026 change we’re talking about here isn’t a blanket ban.
It changes the labelling threshold for relevant finished cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
That difference is important, especially when you’re explaining the update to clients.
Several cosmetic ingredient regulatory changes are taking place in Great Britain in 2026.
For example, TPO is subject to a separate prohibition and separate transition dates.
Treat each regulatory change separately - don’t assume a rule for one ingredient applies to another.
Do the Same Rules Apply Across the Whole UK?
Not quite.
The regulations discussed here apply in Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland operates under a different cosmetics regulatory framework, including EU cosmetics requirements. OPSS's current guidance distinguishes between products placed on the GB market through the UK's SCPN system and products placed on the Northern Ireland market through the EU CPNP system.
That’s especially important if you sell online or work across different UK markets.
FAQ: Formaldehyde Labelling in Salon Products
Does my product contain formaldehyde?
You can’t tell if a product is affected by the new warning just by looking for the word "formaldehyde".
Some cosmetic preservatives can release small amounts of formaldehyde. Check the full INCI list and product info, and ask your manufacturer or supplier if you need confirmation about a specific formula.
What is the new formaldehyde labelling threshold?
From 15 July 2026, relevant finished cosmetic products containing Annex V preservatives must carry the warning "releases formaldehyde" where the concentration of formaldehyde released exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm).
Previously, the threshold was 0.05% (500 ppm).
Which formaldehyde-releasing preservatives should salon professionals look for?
Examples include DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea and Quaternium-15.
But this isn’t a complete list, and spotting a formaldehyde-releasing preservative on an ingredient list doesn’t tell you if the finished product goes over the 0.001% threshold.
Which salon products contain formaldehyde releasers?
They can potentially occur in a range of cosmetic formulations, including some haircare, skincare and nail products.
There’s no rule that says every product in a category contains them, so check each product individually.
Does a "releases formaldehyde" warning mean a product is unsafe?
The wording is a regulatory warning triggered when a relevant finished cosmetic product releases formaldehyde above the specified threshold.
If you or a client have questions about a product’s suitability, follow the manufacturer’s info and precautions instead of judging its safety from the warning alone.
Do I need to throw away older salon stock?
Don’t assume you need to.
Transitional arrangements apply to the new requirements, with CTPA listing 14 January 2027 as the making-available/off-shelf deadline for this amendment. If you're unsure about older stock, give your supplier or manufacturer the product and batch details and ask them to confirm what you should do.
Staying Up to Date With Cosmetic Regulation Changes
You don’t need to know the chemistry behind every bottle, tube and pot in your salon. But understanding how to check the products you buy and use is an important part of professional product knowledge.
The key point to remember is that, from 15 July 2026, the threshold requiring the “releases formaldehyde” warning on relevant cosmetic products in Great Britain fell from 0.05% to 0.001%.
For salon professionals, the practical response is simple: check your stock and product labels, familiarise yourself with the INCI names you may come across, buy from reputable professional suppliers and ask for clarification if you’re unsure about a particular product.
And if you come across a headline claiming that “formaldehyde has been banned”, check which regulatory change it’s referring to before assuming the products on your shelves are affected.
Where Can Hair & Beauty Professionals Find More Information?
These changes form part of the wider updates covered in our UK Cosmetics Regulation 2026 guide.
For current information about cosmetic product regulations in Great Britain, refer to the UK Government's guidance on cosmetic products and the CTPA's update on the 2026 UK Cosmetics Regulation amendments.
If you're unsure how the regulations apply to a particular product in your salon, contact the product manufacturer, Responsible Person or professional supplier for product-specific information.
Please note: This article is intended as general information for hair and beauty professionals and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
