What Is Formaldehyde and Why We Don't Use It — While Others Do

When shopping for cleaning or personal care products, you’ve probably come across terms like “formaldehyde-free” or “toxic-free,” but most people aren’t exactly sure what formaldehyde is — or why it matters.

At Aqua Roche Store, we’re committed to giving you transparency, safety, and quality. That’s why none of our products contain formaldehyde, even though many popular brands still use it.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas often used in industrial manufacturing — especially for making building materials, plastics, and preservatives.

In cleaning and personal care products, it’s often found in a hidden form — not listed as “formaldehyde” on the label. Instead, it's released slowly from other chemicals called formaldehyde releasers (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, or Quaternium-15 many others).

These are used to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.

Why Is Formaldehyde a Problem?

Formaldehyde is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known human carcinogen — which means long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer.

Even at lower levels, it can cause:

• Skin irritation
• Eye and throat irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory issues (especially in children or sensitive individuals)

In hot climates like the UAE, this is especially concerning. Heat can cause more formaldehyde to be released from products stored in warm environments — like cars, delivery vans, or bathroom shelves.

Why Do Other Brands Still Use It?

Unfortunately, many mass-market brands still use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives because:

• They are cheap
• They are effective at killing bacteria and mold
• They extend shelf life for years

For brands focused on cost and global distribution, this is attractive — but it comes at the expense of safety.

Why Aqua Roche Says NO to Formaldehyde

At Aqua Roche Store, your health and peace of mind come first.

We make sure all our cleaning and personal care formulas are:

• Formaldehyde-free
• Non-toxic
• Skin-friendly
• Safe for daily use in homes

We use modern, safer preservatives that are approved by global safety standards — including EU regulations, which are some of the strictest in the world.

So… How Do Our Products Stay Fresh?

Instead of cheap, outdated chemicals, we use:

• pH-balanced formulas
• Safe synthetic preservatives (at safe levels, approved by regulators)

This keeps your body wash, glass cleaner, and detergent fresh, effective, and safe — without the health risks.

What We Use Instead: CMIT/MIT and Sodium Benzoate — Safe, Modern Preservatives

At Aqua Roche, we never use outdated or harmful preservatives like formaldehyde or parabens. Instead, we rely on CMIT/MIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone) and sodium benzoate — two modern, science-backed preservatives used in extremely low, carefully regulated amounts. These ingredients protect our products from bacteria, mold, and yeast, helping them stay fresh and safe without compromising your health. Both CMIT/MIT and sodium benzoate are approved by global safety authorities, including the EU and GCC Standards, and are widely used in food (Sodium Benzoate), personal care, and household products. While any preservative can cause irritation in highly sensitive individuals, our formulas are balanced for daily use, skin-friendliness, and climate stability — making them ideal for homes in the UAE and MENA region.

The Bottom Line

You deserve products that clean your home or care for your body — without harming your health.

That’s why every formula at Aqua Roche Store is designed with transparency, safety, and modern science. No shortcuts. No hidden toxins. No formaldehyde.

Got Questions?

We’re always here to help. If you ever want to ask about ingredients, send us a DM on Instagram or drop a message via our website. We believe trust is built through honesty — and that’s how we do business.