Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (CAS 70161-44-3) is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative supplied as an aqueous liquid and sold under trade names including Suttocide A, Nuosept 44, and Integra 44. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under the amine chemical family.

In personal care formulations, it functions by slowly releasing low levels of formaldehyde that disrupt microbial cell membranes, providing broad-spectrum protection against bacteria and yeast at typical use levels of 0.1–0.5%. In water-based coatings and adhesives, it controls in-can microbial growth that would otherwise degrade viscosity and film-forming properties.

Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is subject to REACH registration and is listed under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V as a permitted preservative with defined concentration limits. Procurement teams should confirm supplier compliance documentation, including Safety Data Sheets aligned with EU GHS standards. It is classified under HS code 2922498590 for import and export purposes.