Bronopol
برونوبول
Formaldehyde-releaser preservative
The verdict
An effective but formaldehyde-releasing preservative; fine in rinse-off, worth avoiding for the formaldehyde-sensitive.
What it is
A preservative (bronopol) that works by slowly releasing tiny amounts of formaldehyde to stop microbial growth.
It's effective and cheap, but it belongs to the 'formaldehyde-releaser' family — it preserves products by slowly giving off trace formaldehyde, a known skin sensitiser and classified carcinogen. That's fine sealed in a rinse-off cleaner, but it's exactly why these preservatives are increasingly avoided in leave-on products and by formaldehyde-sensitive people. Worth recognising on a label.
Evidence & status
IARC carcinogen group
not_classified
EU status
CLP-classified (H302, H312, H315, H318, H335, H400); signal word Danger.
US · FDA status
EPA/FDA-reviewed where applicable
Halal status: halal
Synthetic; no animal-fat or alcohol concern (surface use).
Also known as
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 · 3-diol · BNPD
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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