Ingredient
Glyoxal
Glyoxal 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 fetal development.
- Ethanedial
- Oxaldehyde
- Diformyl
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
Glyoxal and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Glyoxal is a reactive aldehyde compound used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in some cosmetic products. It's a small molecule with the potential for skin penetration and systemic absorption. The primary concern during pregnancy is that glyoxal is classified as a suspected carcinogen by ECHA and has shown developmental toxicity in animal studies. While topical cosmetic use involves lower exposure than industrial settings, the potential for absorption combined with its classification as hazardous raises concerns for fetal development. Additionally, pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity, making irritation from this already-irritating compound more likely. While there isn't explicit guidance from ACOG specifically prohibiting glyoxal, the general medical recommendation is to avoid ingredients classified as potential carcinogens or developmental toxicants during pregnancy when safer alternatives exist. Many dermatologists advise pregnant women to minimize exposure to reactive aldehydes and known sensitizers.
Glyoxal and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Glyoxal is a reactive aldehyde used as a preservative in cosmetics. Its small molecular size allows for potential skin penetration, though most is expected to react with proteins in the upper skin layers. While specific studies on glyoxal transfer into breast milk are lacking, the ingredient's classification as a skin sensitizer and suspected carcinogen raises theoretical concerns. The primary risk is irritation to both mother's skin and potential infant exposure if applied to areas the baby may contact. Given its strong irritant properties, it could potentially cause infant skin irritation through direct contact. There is no specific medical guidance prohibiting glyoxal during breastfeeding, but dermatologists generally recommend avoiding known irritants and sensitizers on the chest and breast area. Many healthcare providers suggest choosing gentler preservative systems during breastfeeding when possible.
Glyoxal and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Glyoxal can be used postpartum when not breastfeeding, though it remains a potent irritant and sensitizer. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making reactions more likely. The main considerations are the same as for the general population: risk of allergic contact dermatitis and irritation. However, postpartum hormonal fluctuations can temporarily increase skin sensitivity, potentially making irritation from this already-irritating ingredient more pronounced. There are no additional postpartum-specific health concerns beyond the general irritation and sensitization risks.
Glyoxal and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Glyoxal is a reactive aldehyde with potential for skin penetration and systemic absorption. While primarily used topically in cosmetics, its classification as a suspected carcinogen and developmental toxicant in animal studies raises theoretical concerns. There is limited specific data on glyoxal's effects on fertility or conception. However, given its hazard classification and the general medical principle of avoiding potentially harmful exposures when trying to conceive, many healthcare providers recommend choosing products with safer preservative alternatives during the preconception period. The risk is likely low with topical cosmetic use, but safer options exist.
Glyoxal and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Can inflame skin
Glyoxal is a preservative with no direct hormonal effects, so it doesn't impact androgen levels or insulin sensitivity relevant to PCOS. However, it is a known skin irritant and sensitizer. For women with PCOS who often deal with acne and inflamed skin, using irritating ingredients like glyoxal can worsen inflammation and potentially trigger breakouts. Inflammatory responses can indirectly affect PCOS symptoms by increasing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. While glyoxal doesn't directly interfere with PCOS treatment or hormones, women with PCOS-related acne or sensitive skin may want to choose products with gentler preservative systems to avoid additional skin stress and inflammation.
Glyoxal and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Carcinogen concern
Glyoxal is a reactive aldehyde compound used as a preservative and antimicrobial in some cosmetic formulations. It effectively prevents bacterial growth but has significant irritation potential. According to ECHA, glyoxal is classified as causing serious eye irritation (H319) and skin sensitization (H317), meaning it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. It's also classified as suspected of causing cancer (H351) based on animal studies, though topical cosmetic exposure is lower than industrial exposures studied. The compound can release formaldehyde, another known irritant and sensitizer. The EU regulates glyoxal use in cosmetics, restricting its concentration and requiring it to be labeled when present above certain thresholds. It's prohibited in aerosol products. While permitted in cosmetics when properly formulated, many brands are moving away from glyoxal-based preservatives due to its irritation profile and availability of gentler alternatives. People with sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis should be particularly cautious.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Glyoxal, 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 .
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