Glutaral

Glutaral is a potent dialdehyde used in cosmetics as a high-efficacy biocidal preservative at very low concentrations. It's chosen to control bacteria, yeast, and mold in formulations, but strong sensitization potential restricts use, especially in leave-on products.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A strong preservative that fights microbes but may irritate skin.
Category
Preservative
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Poor

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides broad-spectrum microbe control at low doses, supporting product stability over time. Better suited to rinse-off formats where brief contact reduces sensitization risk.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in shampoos, hand washes, and industrial-strength cleansers; occasionally in wipes. Rare in leave-on creams or serums due to allergy concerns.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

A known skin sensitizer that can cause irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in leave-on use. Avoid use on compromised skin and keep away from eyes; patch testing is prudent. Use is concentration-limited in some regions.

Is Glutaral a Good Ingredient?

It rates Poor because, despite genuinely strong preservation at small doses, it carries a high irritation and sensitization risk that limits consumer tolerance and versatility. Many formulators avoid it in favor of gentler systems, which is exactly why it sits at the bottom of the scale.

Products with Glutaral

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