Objective　To reduce the harm of formaldehyde-containing preservatives to the health of staff, a new improved preservative, EM1, was developed, which has lower concentration of formaldehyde.Methods　By means of formaldehyde release test, bacterial quantitative germicidal test and fungus germicidal test, laboratory rat injection antisepsis test, and a field test on cadavers in funeral home, the disinfection and antiseptic effect of EM1 was investigated.　Results　EM1 showed lower formaldehyde release as 35.7% of formal antiseptic; it could effectively kill Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and other microorganisms; it could help the dead rats injected with EM1 staying for 30 days, and the morphology of which was closer tothe alive condition in comparison with that of the Dodge-treated rats; the effective embalming rate of cadaver was above 95%at room temperature.　Conclusions　This improved preservative EM1 has the characteristics of low toxicity, good antiseptic and fixed effect. Furthermore, the embalmed specimens shrink little, and almost show the living condition. By effectively controlling the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, the development of corruption and autolysis of remains, EM1 can do contribution to anatomy research and embalming for funeral.