Ingredient
Glutaral
Glutaral is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and irritant.
- Glutaraldehyde
- Pentanedial
- 1,5-Pentanedial
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Glutaral and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Irritant
Glutaral (glutaraldehyde) is a strong antimicrobial preservative primarily found in nail hardening products. It is highly effective at preventing bacterial contamination but is also a potent skin sensitizer and irritant. During pregnancy, the concern with glutaraldehyde extends beyond typical skin irritation. While specific teratogenic studies in humans are limited, occupational exposure studies have raised concerns about respiratory and skin sensitization. The SCCS notes that glutaraldehyde can cause allergic reactions and sensitization. Pregnant women's skin may be more reactive, and the risk of developing contact dermatitis is heightened. Additionally, nail products are applied to areas near the face, increasing potential for inhalation exposure. The EU has severely restricted glutaraldehyde to nail hardeners only at very low concentrations, and it is prohibited in other cosmetics. Most dermatologists and obstetricians recommend avoiding products containing glutaraldehyde during pregnancy due to its high sensitization potential and lack of safety data. Safer preservative alternatives are widely available.
Glutaral and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Glutaral is a potent preservative with strong sensitizing properties. While concerns about transfer to breast milk are less pronounced than with some other chemicals, the primary issue during breastfeeding is the high risk of skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. According to the SCCS, glutaraldehyde is classified as a strong contact sensitizer that can cause allergic reactions even at low concentrations. For breastfeeding mothers, developing an allergic reaction to this preservative can make continuing use of any glutaraldehyde-containing products problematic. The AAD notes that sensitization is a permanent condition once it develops. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding glutaraldehyde-containing products during breastfeeding. The risk of sensitization outweighs any benefits, and numerous safer preservative options exist. If sensitization occurs, it can complicate skincare and nail care routines long-term.
Glutaral and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Glutaral remains a high-risk ingredient for postpartum women not breastfeeding due to its strong sensitizing properties. The SCCS classification as a contact sensitizer applies regardless of pregnancy or breastfeeding status. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive and reactive, making sensitization more likely. Once allergic contact dermatitis develops to glutaraldehyde, it is typically a permanent condition. Given the availability of safer preservative alternatives, most dermatologists advise avoiding this ingredient.
Glutaral and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
While glutaraldehyde does not have documented effects on fertility, the same precautions that apply during pregnancy are recommended when trying to conceive. The high sensitization risk and irritant properties make it an ingredient to avoid. Women trying to conceive should establish safe skincare routines early, as they may not immediately know when pregnancy occurs. Given glutaraldehyde's restricted status in the EU and strong sensitization potential, transitioning to products with safer preservatives is advisable before conception efforts begin.
Glutaral and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Glutaral (glutaraldehyde) is a strong preservative that poses no specific hormonal concerns for women with PCOS, but its high sensitization potential makes it a problematic ingredient regardless of PCOS status. Women with PCOS often have sensitive or reactive skin, particularly if dealing with acne. The strong sensitizing properties of glutaraldehyde can exacerbate skin sensitivity and lead to allergic contact dermatitis, which can complicate PCOS skincare management. The SCCS has restricted this ingredient due to sensitization concerns, and it should be avoided by anyone with sensitive or reactive skin, including those managing PCOS. Safer preservative options are widely available and recommended.
Glutaral and general use
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Glutaral (glutaraldehyde) is a potent antimicrobial preservative that effectively prevents contamination in cosmetic products. However, it is also classified as a strong contact sensitizer and irritant by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. According to the SCCS, glutaraldehyde can cause allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization in susceptible individuals. Once sensitization develops, it is typically permanent, meaning affected individuals must avoid the ingredient indefinitely. The irritant properties can also cause immediate reactions including redness, burning, and discomfort. Due to these concerns, the EU has severely restricted glutaraldehyde to use only in nail hardening products at maximum 0.2% concentration, and it is prohibited in other cosmetic categories. For the general public, products containing this preservative should be avoided when safer alternatives are available. Those with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies should be particularly cautious.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Glutaral, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store