Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
What Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is & what it does
An amino-acid-derived preservative that works in part by releasing trace formaldehyde, effective across a broad pH range. It is plant-derived but may sensitize formaldehyde-reactive skin.
Is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate safe?
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is widely used as a cosmetic preservative and is generally considered safe at the low levels permitted in finished products. It works as a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, so people who are sensitive to formaldehyde may prefer to avoid it. As with any preservative, the safety margin depends on staying within recommended use concentrations.
What does Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate do in skincare?
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate acts as a preservative in skincare and sunscreen formulas. Its job is to protect the product from bacteria, mold, and yeast so it stays stable and safe over its shelf life. It does not provide a cosmetic benefit to the skin itself.
Is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate natural or synthetic?
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a synthetic ingredient, produced through chemical processing rather than harvested directly from a plant. It is derived from glycine, a simple amino acid, combined with other components. The finished preservative is manufactured for cosmetic use.
Sunscreens with Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
We rate 7 sunscreens that contain it:
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Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare Flawless Gossamer Tint Spf 50
79/100
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Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
78/100
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Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare Flawless Gossamer Untinted Spf 50
77/100
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Interfarmac s.r.l. Evìta Sun Spf 50+
73/100
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Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare
Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Daily Sunscreen Spf 50
71/100
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Lirene Sensitive And Allergic Skin Soothing Moisturizing Cream SPF 5
66/100
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This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF 45
52/100