Do these substances emit formaldehyde gas when heated?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion confirms that Cyclomethicone and Glyoxylic acid, commonly found in keratin treatments, are unlikely to emit formaldehyde gas when heated by hair straighteners or dryers. Cyclomethicone is widely used in hair products and is considered safe under normal heating conditions. Glyoxylic acid, while an irritant, does not typically release formaldehyde at the temperatures used in hair styling. The reactions experienced by the user may be attributed to allergies rather than formaldehyde exposure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical compounds used in hair treatments
  • Knowledge of the properties of Cyclomethicone
  • Familiarity with Glyoxylic acid and its effects
  • Basic principles of thermal stability in chemicals
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the safety profiles of Cyclomethicone in cosmetic applications
  • Investigate the irritant effects of Glyoxylic acid on skin and respiratory systems
  • Learn about the thermal stability of common cosmetic ingredients
  • Explore allergy testing methods for reactions to hair treatment products
USEFUL FOR

Cosmetic chemists, hair care professionals, individuals experiencing reactions to hair treatments, and anyone interested in the safety of chemical compounds in beauty products.

lk0306
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey there,

Trying to confirm whether or not these substances emit formaldehyde gas when subject to heat of hair straightener and hairdryers. Both were ingredients in a keratin treatment i used at home and i had a crazy reaction (irritated skin, eyes, hair, nose and lungs) in the process of heating in the application process.

- Cyclomethicone
- Glyoxylic acid
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Cyclomethicone - looking at the formula I'd say it was somewhat unlikely. It is in widespread use in hair products, deodorants, skin care products (and some other products as well) and it would not be used in hair products if a hairdrier caused it to release formaldehyde.

Glyoxylic acid is reported as having an obnoxious odour, and it can be an eye, skin and respiratory irritant - it is a weak acid, so that is to be expected.

Why did you mention formaldehyde anyway? Smell?

Given that there would likely be only small amounts of these in any hair treatment, why did you ask about this pair in particular?

I got the info within seconds using google, incidentally. It was easy to find.

And the above is just my opinion. I am not an expert on these compounds, just a normal chemist.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DrClaude
I agree with DrJohn.

It is possible you have allergies. The compounds appear thermostable so it's unlikely to be formaldehyde unless your heat gun belongs to Area 51.
 

Similar threads

How Could E0 Building Materials Impact the Economy and Health?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
What colors and attributes could alien flora & fauna have?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K