What Is urea formaldehyde?

Learn about the film-forming characteristics of urea formaldehyde and its usage in personal care products.

What Is urea formaldehyde? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is urea formaldehyde?

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What is the purpose of urea formaldehyde in personal care products? It is used for its film-forming characteristics. urea formaldehyde creates a thin layer on the skin/nails/hair.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Butylated Polyoxymethylene Urea, "Butylated urea, formaldehyde resin", "Urea, polymer with formaldehyde, butylated", and "Urea, reaction products with formaldehyde".

What Are Film-Forming Ingredients?

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urea formaldehyde has film-forming characteristics.

Film-forming ingredients are used in many cosmetic products, including skincare, haircare, and makeup. These ingredients can have different chemical compositions and functions, but they all share the goal of creating a film on the surface they are applied on.

In skincare products, film-forming ingredients are often used to create a barrier on the skin's surface that helps to lock in moisture. This can benefit people with dry or sensitive skin, as it can help to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated and irritated. Some film-forming ingredients can also provide a temporary tightening or lifting effect, which can help reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles on your skin.

In haircare products, film-forming ingredients can help smooth and protect the hair cuticle, making hair look shinier and feel smoother. Film-forming ingredients can also help to protect hair from environmental stressors like heat styling and pollution.

In makeup products, film-forming ingredients can help create a smooth, even base for additional products like foundation or powder. They can also help to improve the wear time of makeup products by creating a barrier that helps to keep them in place.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.