What Is DMDM Hydantoin?

What Is DMDM Hydantoin?

DMDM hydantoin is a preservative and antimicrobial agent found in a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care and hair-care products. It’s considered a “formaldehyde donor.” That means it releases a small amount of formaldehyde over time to help keep products fresh and free from contaminants.

You can find DMDM hydantoin in:

  • Makeups
  • Makeup removers
  • Shampoos
  • Conditioners
  • Hair styling products
  • Moisturizers
  • Liquid hand soaps
  • Facial cleansers
  • Exfoliants or scrubs

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM hydantoin help keep beauty products from spoiling. While formaldehyde-releasing ingredients can be dangerous in high levels, these chemicals are found naturally in safe, small amounts in many foods. They include:

  • Bananas

  • Apples
  • Plums
  • Grapes
  • Onions

  • Carrots
  • Spinach
  • Seafood
  • Beef
  • Poultry

Our bodies, and those of most other living organisms, also make small amounts of formaldehyde as part of the normal process of metabolism.


Benefits of DMDM Hydantoin

DMDM hydantoin helps your personal-care items stay fresh for long periods. The chemical stops or slows down the growth of potentially harmful fungi, yeast, and bacteria.


Risks and Side Effects of DMDM Hydantoin

Many experts believe this chemical is safe in cosmetic and hygiene items, since they release only small amounts of formaldehyde in normal use. When you shampoo your hair, for example, the level of formaldehyde that’s released is about