The Basics On Imidazolidinyl Urea
What is Imidazolidinyl Urea?
Considered a weaker preservative than its “cousin” diazolidinyl urea.
What are other names for Imidazolidinyl Urea?
IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER), N,N”-METHYLENEBIS[N’-[1-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL]UREA], N,N”-METHYLENEBIS[N’-[3-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-2,5-DIOXOIMIDAZOLIDIN-4-YL]UREA], UREA, N,N METHYLENEBIS[N [3(HYDROXYMETHYL)2,5DIOXO4IMIDAZOLIDINYL], and UREA, N,N”-METHYLENEBIS[N’-[1-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL]-
What is Imidazolidinyl Urea used for?
Imidazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative that works by forming formaldehyde in cosmetic products. The formaldehyde so formed acts to preserve the cosmetic formulation from microbial attack. Imidazolidinyl urea, along with Diazolidinyl urea, has been found to be one the most frequently encountered formaldehyde releaser preservatives used in the USA and Europe1. At concentrations normally used in cosmetic formulations, Imidazolidinyl urea is normally considered safe for use on the skin. Many cosmetic formulations use Imidazolidinyl urea 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 ingredients 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 Imidazolidinyl Urea is classified
Preservatives
Recommendations for using Imidazolidinyl Urea during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Imidazolidinyl Urea During Pregnancy
What we know about using Imidazolidinyl Urea while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Imidazolidinyl Urea from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Imidazolidinyl Urea
Guinot Creme Hydra Beaute, Bioelements Moisture x10, SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatment; Tatcha The Water Cream, Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser, Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA,Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser
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. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER). EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703119/IMIDAZOLIDINYL_UREA_%28FORMALDEHYDE_RELEASER%29/#.W7G‚ÄìGgzZhE. 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.
