Glyoxal is a chemical compound, a reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde dicarbonyl also chemically produced in the atmosphere.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances.

CAS  107-22-2

EC number    203-474-9

Chemical name oxaldehyde

Safety

https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_023.pdf

Abstract. The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) stated in its opinion of 25 September 2001 that substances classified pursuant to Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances as carcinogenic (except substances only carcinogenic by inhalation), mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, of category 1 or 2, and substances with similar potential, must not be intentionally added to cosmetic products, and that substances classified pursuant to Directive 67/548/EEC as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, of category 3, and substances with similar potential, must not be intentionally added to cosmetic products unless it can be demonstrated that their levels do not pose a threat to the health of the consumer. Council Directive 2003/15/EEC amended Directive 76/768/EEC introducing Article 4b. It states that “the use in cosmetic products of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, of category 1, 2 and 3, under Annex I to Directive 67/548/EEC shall be prohibited. To that end the Commission shall adopt the necessary measures in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 10(2). A substance classified in category 3 may be used in cosmetics if the substance has been evaluated by the SCCNFP and found acceptable for use in cosmetic products.” Glyoxal is classified as a category 3 mutagen. The substance is not regulated in an annex to the Cosmetics Directive nor has it been evaluated by the SCCNFP before. The European Commission received a submission from the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients with data indicating that a content of up to 100 ppm Glyoxal in a finished cosmetic product is safe.