Common Name(s): 7-ethylbicyclooxazolidine,7-ethylbicyclooxazolidine,formaldehyde-releasing preservative,restricted or prohibited antimicrobial
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antimicrobial preservation through slow formaldehyde or reactive aldehyde release โ effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but with significant sensitisation potential from the reactive aldehyde mechanism.
Why It's Used: Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are being phased out of eu cosmetics due to sensitisation concerns โ the sccs has issued opinions restricting multiple formaldehyde releasers, and some markets prohibit them entirely.
How It Works: Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives hydrolyse slowly releasing free hcho (formaldehyde) in the product or on skin. hcho acts as an alkylating agent forming protein-hcho adducts that drive type iv contact hypersensitivity sensitisation in susceptible individuals.
Typically Found In: Check annex ii/v regulatory status
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Check eu annex ii/v status
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Regulatory trend: eu is progressively restricting formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. formulators should verify current status and consider transitioning to formaldehyde-free preservation systems.
Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex ii/v,7-ethylbicyclooxazolidine formaldehyde releasing review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22