Is formaldehyde in new clothing a real concern?
Caution. Formaldehyde is used in wrinkle-resistant and anti-shrink fabric treatments. It can cause skin irritation and is a known carcinogen. Washing new clothes before first wear helps.
What's actually in it
Formaldehyde-releasing resins are applied to clothing during manufacturing to create wrinkle-resistant, anti-shrink, and permanent-press properties. The formaldehyde bonds to cotton fibers and releases slowly over time, especially when the fabric gets warm or sweaty. Garments with the strongest "permanent press" properties tend to have the highest formaldehyde treatment.
Formaldehyde is an IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen when inhaled (as in occupational settings), and a known skin sensitizer that can cause contact dermatitis with direct fabric exposure. Children's clothing imported from countries with less stringent chemical regulations has been found with formaldehyde levels that exceed EU standards.
What the research says
A 2026 review of textile chemical safety found that formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant clothing remains a significant consumer exposure concern globally, particularly for garments manufactured in countries with less strict chemical regulations. Researchers found formaldehyde above threshold levels in a meaningful percentage of tested garments from fast-fashion brands.
Wash all new clothing before first wear, especially children's clothing. Multiple washes reduce but don't eliminate formaldehyde from treated fabric. For children who have sensitive skin or allergic reactions to new clothes, switching to GOTS-certified organic cotton (which prohibits formaldehyde finishing) is the most effective solution.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde in textile clothing and health effects | Environ Sci Process Impacts | 2026 |
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