The Basics On Dmdm Hydantoin
What is Dmdm Hydantoin?
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative.
What are other names for Dmdm Hydantoin?
1,3-BIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)-5,5-DIMETHYL- 2,4-IMIDAZOLIDINEDIONE, 1,3-BIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)-5,5-DIMETHYLIMIDAZOLIDINE-2,4-DIONE, 1,3-BIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)-5,5-DIMETHYLIMIDAZOLIDINE-2,4-DIONE(+), 1,3-DIHYDROXYMETHYL-5,5 DIMETHYLHYDANTOIN, 1,3-DIMETHYLOL-5,5-DIMETHYL HYDANTOIN, 2,4-IMIDAZOLIDINEDIONE, 1,3-BIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)-5,5-DIMETHYL-, 2,4IMIDAZOLIDINEDIONE, 1,3BIS(HYDROXYMETHYL)5,5DIMETHYL, DMDM HYDANTOIN, and DMDM HYDANTOIN (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER)
What is Dmdm Hydantoin used for?
At concentrations normally used in cosmetic formulations, DMDM hydantoin is normally considered safe for use on the skin. Many cosmetic formulations use DMDM hydantoin as a preservative2. However, problems arise with some people due to sensitivity to formaldehyde from the formaldehyde-releasing action of Imidazolidinyl urea as a preservative. Formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic and allergenic. People exposed to such formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in cosmetics may develop a formaldehyde allergy or an allergy to the ingredient itself. In the U.S. approximately 20% of cosmetics and personal care products contain a formaldehyde-releaser as a preservative and the frequency of contact allergy to these ingredients is much higher among Americans compared to studies in Europe3. Even at very low concentrations, some people develop formaldehyde contact allergy through use of formaldehyde releaser preservatives in cosmetics. The frequency of contact allergy to formaldehyde is consistently higher in the USA (8-9%) than in Europe (2-3%)4.
How Dmdm Hydantoin is classified
Preservatives
Recommendations for using Dmdm Hydantoin during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Dmdm Hydantoin During Pregnancy
What we know about using Dmdm Hydantoin while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Dmdm Hydantoin from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Dmdm Hydantoin
N/A
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. de G, Veenstra M. Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics in the USA and in Europe. Contact Dermatitis. 2010;62(4):221-224. [PubMed] 2. Walters R, Khanna P, Hamilton M, Mays D, Telofski L. Human Cumulative Irritation Tests of Common Preservatives Used in Personal Care Products: A Retrospective Analysis of Over 45 000 Subjects. Toxicol Sci. 2015;148(1):101-107. [PubMed] 3. DMDM HYDANTOIN (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER). EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702196/DMDM_HYDANTOIN_%28FORMALDEHYDE_RELEASER%29/#.W7HQkmgzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018. 4. de G, Flyvholm M, Lensen G, Menn√© T, Coenraads P. Formaldehyde-releasers: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Contact allergy to formaldehyde and inventory of formaldehyde-releasers. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;61(2):63-85. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
