Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL

INCI: SODIUM HYDROXYMETHANE SULFONATE (FORMALDEHYDE SODIUM BISULFITE ADDUCT)

CAS Number
870-72-4
Function
Reducing Agent; releases formaldehyde
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
EU Max Conc. 0.2%
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted with restrictions — formaldehyde limited; labeling required; MoCRA scrutiny likely

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

🚨 FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER — releases ~25% formaldehyde by weight; IARC Class 1 carcinogen; EU Annex V restrictions apply; some markets moving toward total bans on formaldehyde releasers; must calculate total free FA in finished product; do NOT confuse with sodium hydroxymethane sulfinate (CAS 149-44-0), a related but distinct reducing agent

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL safe in cosmetics?

🚨 FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER — releases ~25% formaldehyde by weight; IARC Class 1 carcinogen; EU Annex V restrictions apply; some markets moving toward total bans on formaldehyde releasers; must calculate total free FA in finished product; do NOT confuse with sodium hydroxymethane sulfinate (CAS 149-44-0), a related but distinct reducing agent The EU classifies Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR.

Is Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL allowed in the EU?

Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL EU regulatory status: prohibited. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.2%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL do in cosmetics?

Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL functions as: Reducing Agent; releases formaldehyde. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 870-72-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Hydroxymethane Sulfonate ⚠️ CRITICAL?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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