Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Preservatives
- CAS 70161-44-3
- IUPAC: Sodium 2-(hydroxymethylamino)acetate
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (CAS 70161-44-3) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
Formaldehyde-releaser preservative. May cause skin sensitization in susceptible individuals at higher concentrations; at ≤1% in rinse-off or leave-on products, sensitization risk is low per SCCS assessment. Not classified as asthmagen. Not Prop 65 listed.
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (CAS 70161-44-3) is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative widely used in personal care, cosmetic, and industrial product formulations to prevent microbial contamination. It releases very low, controlled levels of formaldehyde to provide antimicrobial action without the hazards of direct formaldehyde addition.
At concentrations up to 1% (typical use range 0.1–0.5%), it is considered safe under SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) guidance. It is less aggressive as a skin sensitizer than CMIT/MIT blends. Biodegradable with low environmental concern at product-use concentrations.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 4/5
Common questions about Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- What is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate used for in car care?
- Preservative (formaldehyde-releaser type); prevents microbial growth in water-based formulations
- Is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate a VOC?
- No. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate biodegradable?
- Yes. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
2 products contain this
Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1Prop 65leather-conditioner
Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1 SprayProp 65leather-care
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.