DMDM Hydantoin

DMDM Hydantoin has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is a preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde over time.

So what's formaldehyde?

• Formaldehyde is a skin sensitizer and carcinogen.
• Those with formaldehyde allergies or contact dermatitis should avoid this ingredient.
• It is also naturally occurring in foods we eat. Apples, bananas, grapes, onions, carrots, and other foods all contain tiny amounts of formaldehyde.

DMDM Hydantoin is approved for use in cosmetics all around the world. In the EU, this ingredient is allowed in personal products up to 0.6 percent.

You might have heard of the class-action lawsuit about it causing hair loss. According to chemists, there has not been a link found between this ingredient and hair loss.

The Hydantoin part of this ingredient is created by reacting glycolic acid and urea.

You can check out alternatives to Dmdm Hydantoin: phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate.