Toluenesulfonamide/Formaldehyde Resin

AKA: Tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, TSF resin, Toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde

Allergen Warning

⚠️ Formaldehyde

Plant-Derived Synthetic

Occlusive

Not Clean

Toluenesulfonamide/Formaldehyde Resin is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.

CAS #

25068-38-6

Functions

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Fights Acne

Helps reduce acne breakouts

Potentially supports skin clarity

Assists in controlling excess oil

Traditional Use

A synthetic resin developed in the early-to-mid 20th century for nail polish and lacquers. Created to provide adhesion, hardness, and glossy finish in nail coating formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Sephora Clean at Sephora Target Clean Whole Foods Premium Body Care The Detox Market Ulta Conscious Beauty Beauty Heroes CVS Clean Beauty MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory0 listings

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR