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Moumoujus

ROSIN/FORMALDEHYDE COPOLYMER.

Avoid CAS 65997-07-1 / DEPILATORY

Rosin/Formaldehyde Copolymer is an industrial polymer primarily employed for its tackifying and film-forming attributes in products like adhesives and coatings. While its polymeric structure suggests a theoretical capacity for film-forming in cosmetics, its use in skincare is highly problematic due to its association with formaldehyde release.

Summary

Film-forming Binding

Science

Mechanism of Action

The polymeric nature of this ingredient suggests it could potentially act as a film-forming agent or binder on the skin, enhancing ingredient adhesion or compatibility. However, its specific mechanism of action or documented cosmetic benefits for skin are not established.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 No studies demonstrate cosmetic efficacy for Rosin/Formaldehyde Copolymer. Instead, research indicates that formaldehyde-releasing moisturizers, even at low concentrations (e.g., > 2.5-10 ppm), can exacerbate existing dermatitis in formaldehyde-allergic individuals. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) recommends a strict threshold of 0.001% (10 ppm) for total free formaldehyde to protect sensitized consumers.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.001%
Red flag below
0.001%

This ingredient is considered a red flag due to its potential to release free formaldehyde, a substance classified as a skin sensitizer and carcinogen. Regulatory bodies, such as the SCCS, advocate for extremely low thresholds (10 ppm or 0.001%) for total free formaldehyde in products to prevent sensitization and adverse reactions, particularly in individuals already allergic to formaldehyde.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Precise pH control is essential during formulation and synthesis, with alkaline conditions often favored to manage and minimize free formaldehyde content. Strong acids can lead to darkening of the rosin component, while elevated temperatures significantly increase the release of formaldehyde gas, a particular concern in hair care products.

Conflicts

  • Ingredients or conditions that promote the release of free formaldehyde
  • High temperatures
  • Strong acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed (copolymer itself)
Max tested
0.001%
Sensitization risk High

Formaldehyde is categorized as a carcinogen (Category 1B) and a potent skin sensitizer (Category 1). While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has found formaldehyde and methylene glycol (which forms equilibrium with formaldehyde) safe at concentrations of 0.2% or less in cosmetics, they are considered unsafe in hair straightening products. Crucially, the SCCS recommends a stringent maximum threshold of 0.001% (10 ppm) for total free formaldehyde in products to protect sensitized consumers. The FDA discourages the use of hair smoothing products containing formaldehyde due to health risks from gas release. The safety of this copolymer in cosmetics is inherently tied to its potential to release free formaldehyde.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its significant potential to release free formaldehyde, a classified carcinogen and strong skin sensitizer, combined with a high irritancy rating and absence of documented cosmetic benefits, this ingredient should be avoided in skincare formulations.

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