Hidden Toxins in Your Beauty Routine? The Be(A)ware Guide for Formaldehyde Never Seen on Labels
- Angie Bortolotti
- May 29
- 8 min read
Inspired by recent reporting by Sadie Whitelocks, DailyMail.com – read the original article here
The Beauty Industry's Sneaky, Dirty Little Secret
by Angie Bortolotti
What. The actual. WHAT.
Why are beauty brands doin' us dirty?
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I’m washing my hair. Moisturizing my skin. Smiling at that same nostalgic Neutrogena face wash my dermatologist gave me when I was 15—the one with the orange jelly texture we all had on the bathroom counter. Now my daughters are using it.
And I’m thinking, this is good.
Safe. Gentle. Trusted.
The kind of product that feels more like a rite of passage than a risk.
And sure—we’ve all side-eyed the hair straightener. We know it’s sketchy. Not great for our lungs, our hormones, or our long-term health (and honestly, shoutout to the beauty pros applying it day after day—ventilate, my friend. VENT-IL-ATE.) But... it makes our hair so sleek. So shiny. So much easier than fighting the frizz, 'cuz - who can handle that? And let’s be real—it’s a highly requested treatment that brings in solid revenue for stylists. We go into it fully aware it's a bad idea for our health.
But this? This is different.
Because it turns out our “clean” routines—the shampoos, lotions, even that nostalgic face wash—might actually be slow-releasing cancer-causing gas into our bathrooms. And this isn’t some invisible puff of nothing. That gas doesn’t just float around in your steamy shower like a bad idea—it seeps into your skin, slips into your bloodstream, and settles into systems that were never designed to detox this kind of synthetic overload.
Especially when you double down with that “nourishing” lotion—rich in fragrance, creamy in texture, and loaded with the stuff you didn’t even know to fear.
It’s marketed as self-care. But it’s really exposure in disguise.
And I wish I were being dramatic. But I’m not.
This isn’t some fringe theory. A new study from the Silent Spring Institute—yes, actual scientists—confirmed what clean-beauty insiders have been whispering for years: many everyday products are loaded with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
And spoiler alert: you won’t find the word “formaldehyde” on the label.
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BLOG OVERVIEW:
TL;DR?: Cliff Notes for the Caffeinated and Curious - but want just the (quick) facts, Mam.
Your “clean” shampoo, lotion, and face wash might be slow-releasing formaldehyde gas into your bathroom (and your bloodstream).
It’s hidden under ingredient names like DMDM hydantoin and Quaternium-15—no “formaldehyde” label in sight.
Trusted brands like Neutrogena, Sun Bum, Dove, Huggies, and Burt’s Bees have been flagged.
The EU banned this stuff. The U.S.? Still dragging its feet.
“Clean” and “natural” are mostly just marketing. Read your labels.
At Inspired WellCare, we’re not here for pretty lies. We’re here for clean that’s actually clean.
Just because it says "Organic" doesn't mean it's safe - or good for you.
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That's it for the Short and Sweet! xo-Angie
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Still with me and hungry want to head down the Rabbit Hole with me? I see you, curious soul.
Let’s dig into the details that’ll help you spot the sneaky stuff, understand why it’s there, and clear out the clutter from your routine—for good.
So, pull up a seat and get your scroll on. This is packed full of detail - because - holy guacamole do we have a lot of toxic formaldehyde sneaking around in our beauty arsenal.
And things are about to get messier than a toddler with a loose glitter palette and no adult supervision.
What are we actually talking about?
Let’s start with a classic, marketing-driven case study:
Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser
The Promise (Straight from the Label):
“Positively Radiant” — meant to reveal your natural glow
“Gentle enough for everyday use”
“Made with soy extract and moisture-rich soy complex”
“Dermatologist-recommended brand”
“Suitable for sensitive skin”
The Implied Vibe: Clean. Safe. Gentle. Natural. Backed by science.
I mean, our bestie Jennifer Aniston promotes it - it HAS to be good!
The Reality (Ingredients List):
Contains DMDM hydantoin — a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, linked to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and increased cancer risk with long-term exposure
Not disclosed on the front of the packaging or in the marketing
“Fragrance” is also listed—often a cocktail of mystery chemicals and potential irritants
The Actual Vibe: Preserved with a chemical that can release formaldehyde into your daily skincare routine.
The Disconnect:
Aveeno markets this as gentle, clean, and safe for sensitive skin—but formulates it with an ingredient that clean beauty brands intentionally avoid. And they don’t exactly shout that from the label.
LET'S DIVE INTO THE DIRTY:
How do they pull one over on us and get away with this? (Besides us pretending it’s not actually happening while we lather, rinse, and repeat anyway?)
Because they know most of us don’t have a chemistry degree—or the time to decode ingredient labels that sound like rejected Hogwarts spells. And let’s be honest: we’re tired, it smells good, and the bottle says “clean.”
Spoiler: “clean” and "natural" aren't legally defined words in marketing - it means nothing. Don't fall for it.
More importantly: because they don’t call it formaldehyde. They use sneaky aliases like:
DMDM Hydantoin
Quaternium-15
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (say that three times fast...and then throw it out)
Even chemists have to double check these names. So how are we supposed to catch it as everyday consumers? Exactly.
But wait—didn’t the EU ban it? Yes. The European Union has already banned formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents in cosmetics and personal care products due to their known health risks. Why not you, U S of A?
Fun fact (read: infuriating reality): The last time U.S. cosmetics law got a real update, it was 1938. That’s right—pre-WWII, rotary phone era, when the only thing glowing was radium paint.
The law? (Cue old-timey saloon piano)
Hey hey, little lady—we don’t need no stinkin’ regulations ‘round here!
But wait - we DO have a law! The 1938 law only banned cosmetics with “poisonous, deleterious, filthy, or decomposed” substances.
I mean...in we have NINE. (9). NOVE. NUEVE. banned ingredients in skincare. Well done, 'Merica! The European Union (EU) has banned over 1,600 chemical substances.
So basically: as long as your lipstick isn’t actively growing mold or melting off the shelf, it’s good to go. OH! And if “eliminates wrinkles” means your skin has been stripped with acetone so aggressively that you’re now admiring the smooth, expressionless bone beneath—well, that’s apparently fair game too.
Can't our government do something about it?
Shhh...Let's not bother those people over at the FDA.
Meanwhile, members of Congress have tried to modernize cosmetic safety laws—but time and again, the cosmetics industry has shut it down.
By comparison? Congress has beefed up safety laws for food, drugs, toys, even furniture.
Let that sink in. Then maybe let your current moisturizer not sink in.
Can companies get rid of it and still have great products? Yes—they can. Safer, science-backed alternatives exist. Many clean brands have already made the switch. The only reason not to? Profit margins.
But here's the dirty part (aka how brands get around this):
1. “Organic” isn’t regulated the same way in cosmetics. The USDA technically regulates foo d, not beauty. So unless you're using organic food-grade ingredients and working with a certifying body, it’s the wild west in the personal care aisle.
2. Many brands only certify one or two ingredients. They splash "organic argan oil!" on the front, but the rest of the formula could be filled with synthetics, stabilizers, or even formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. No law stops them—because they’re not claiming the whole product is organic.
3. “Natural” means basically nothing. It’s unregulated. A product can legally be called “natural” and still include parabens, PEGs, phthalates, and formaldehyde releasers. Fun, right?
4. Some brands use organic ingredients… in tiny amounts. Think: a drop of certified organic lavender oil in a gallon of something toxic. Still technically legal to say “with organic lavender.”
And let’s talk about who this hits hardest:
Black and Latina women. Why? Because many of these products are targeted directly to communities of color, pushing Eurocentric beauty ideals and flooding shelves with high-exposure formulas. It's not just shady—it’s a health equity issue.
WHAT CAN WE DO? Be(A)ware!
Here’s a start to your Be(A)ware List. Sadly, this is barely scratching the surface.
Products that claim to be “natural,” “clean,” or “gentle”... but contain formaldehyde-releasing agents:
Facial Moisturizers & Treatments
Products that hide formaldehyde and other toxins:
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Night Hydrating Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Facial Moisturizer
Olay 15 SPF Complete All Day Moisturizer Sensitive Skin SPF 15
Olay 30 SPF Complete UV365 Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Moisturizing Lotion
Pond's Dry Skin Cream
Pond's Cold Cream Make-up Remover Deep Cleanser
Pond's Nourishing Moisturizing Cream Crema S
Jergens All-Purpose Face Cream
Eucerin Rich Redness Relief Night Creme
Celeteque Dermoscience + Hydration Facial Moisturizer
BATH & BODY WORKS
Moisturizing Body Lotion, Rose Vanilla
Sleep Body Lotion, Lavender + Vanilla
Aromatherapy Body Lotion, Comfort, Vanilla + Patchouli (2020 formulation)
Aromatherapy Body Lotion, Jasmine + Sandalwood
Stress Relief Aromatherapy with Natural Essential Oil Body Lotion
Shea Butter Hand Cream, Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte
Shea Butter Hand Cream, Vanilla Buttercream (2018 formulation)
Shea Butter Hand Cream, Lily & Green Tea
Shea Butter Hand Cream, Black Cherry Merlot
Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Hand Cream
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion (Norwegian Formula)
Cleansers & Treatments
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub
Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel (Original)
Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash
Stridex Max Strength Acne Pads
Stridex Medicated Acne Pads - Sensitive
Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream
Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser
Haircare Products
Herbal Essences
Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse
Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel
Mango & Aloe Curl Cream
Long Term Relationship Leave-In Split End Protector
Hello Hydration Shampoo (older formulations)
Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo (older formulations)
OGX (by Johnson & Johnson)
Biotin + Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner
Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner
Coconut Curls Shampoo
Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Shampoo
Detox + Pomegranate & Ginger Shampoo
TRESemmé
Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner
Moisture Rich Shampoo
24 Hour Body Healthy Volume Shampoo
Neutrogena
Anti-Residue Shampoo
Kenra
Styling Gel 17
Volume Mousse Extra 17
Kenra 3N Natural Hair Color
Sebastian Professional
Volupt Shampoo
Penetraitt Shampoo
Body & Baby Care
Fruit of the Earth 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Babyganics Foaming Wash
Huggies Natural Care Wipes
Huggies Shea Butter Wipes
Huggies Sensitive Wipes
Moving forward:
Scrutinize every label (even the ones that look “natural”)
Use tools like the Think Dirty app or EWG’s Skin Deep to vet products
Demand better from brands, retailers, and regulators. Just don't buy it - the only thing big businesses pay attention to is their bottom line
Stop falling for greenwashing—“clean” and "natural" are not a vibe, it’s a verified ingredient list Even "organic" is a paid-for marketing claim.
Buy products that prove their commitment to wellness and uncompromisingly support your overall health. Then share them with your friends and family.
THAT'S A LOT OF PRODUCT'S RIGHT? Unfortunately...we're just getting started with this big reveal.
At Inspired WellCare, we don’t do bait-and-switch. We don’t slap “clean” on a bottle and hope no one reads the fine print. We vet everything. We ask the hard questions. And we bring in world-class scientists to run our clients' clinical trials—not influencers with a ring light.
Because we believe science, safety, and self-care shouldn’t be a tradeoff—they should be the standard. That’s why we’re building something different: Clean. Clinical. Consciously made. No shortcuts. No secrets. Just the real real.
Because beauty should never come with a body count.
Got more products to add or stories to share? Let us know! angie@inspiredwellcare.org
Based on “Urgent warning as cancer-causing formaldehyde found in dozens of common personal care products,” by Sadie Whitelocks, DailyMail.com.
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