What Is DMDM Hydantoin? Uses, Safety & Supplier in China

What is DMDM Hydantoin?

DMDM Hydantoin ( CAS 6440-58-0), another name as Glydant, supplied by HSH Chemical, is a traditional antimicrobial formaldehyde releasing preservative. It is widely used in cosmetics and hair care products including lotion,shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste.

Chemical Properties

Test Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless transparent liquid
Odor	Odorless or characteristically mild
Total Solids	54.00-56.00%
Specific Gravity	1.14-1.18
PH	5.00-7.50
Free formaldehyde	≤2.00%
Total formaldehyde	17.00-18.00%
As, ppm	≤2.00
Pb, ppm	≤10.00

Features

Microbial activity

DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde donor. It is a broad-spectrum and highly effective antimicrobial preservative. DMDM hydantoin slowly releases formaldehyde and inhibits Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

Microorganisms			MIC level
Bacteria	Gram-positive bacteria	Escherichia coli (E. coli)	500.00ppm
		Pseudomonas aeruginosa	500.00ppm
		Staphylococcus aureus	250.00ppm
		Bacillus subtilis	250.00ppm
		Proteus vulgaris	<250.00ppm
		Salmonella typhimurium	<250.00ppm
	Gram-positive bacteria	Streptococcus bovis	<250.00ppm
Yeasts		Candida albicans	1000.00ppm
Fungi		Aspergillus brasiliensis	1500.00ppm

Compatibility

HSH DMDM Hydantoin is highly compatible with emulsions, surfactants, and other preservatives, such as parabens, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), and Kathon (CMIT/MIT mixture).

Ph stability

HSH DMDM Hydantoin remains stable across a wide pH range from 5.00-7.50..

Temperature stability

HSH DMDM Hydantoin remains stable under a wide temperature range.can be incorporated during the cooling stage of hot processes, stable up to 80°C, and recommended for addition below 50°C.

What is HSH DMDM Hydantoin used for?​

Personal care products

Skin Cosmetics

Hair care products

industrial emulsions

Lubricant

water-based or oil-based coating

dye

Packing

25kg/drum, 200kg/drum,1000MT/IBC drum

FAQ

Q.Imidazolidinyl Urea VS DMDM Hydantoin safety

A.Both Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin releases formaldehyde slowly. DMDM Hydantoin has strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Imidazolidinyl Urea is highly efficient against bacteria and some yeasts.

Q.DMDM Hydantoin: Is It Safe?

A. DMDM Hydantoin is safe within limit levels. DMDM Hydantoin is listed in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC 2021), EU compliant, and widely accepted in global cosmetic regulations.

Q.Can DMDM Hydantoin cause cancer?

A.No, there is no reliable evidence that DMDM Hydantoin causes cancer when used within cosmetic regulatory limits. DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in cosmetics. It works by slowly releasing very small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth.​

Q.Can DMDM Hydantoin cause hair loss?

A. No, there is no scientific evidence that DMDM Hydantoin directly causes hair loss under applicable regulatory conditions. DMDM Hydantoin releases formaldehyde and used in shampoos and conditioners to prevent microbial growth. ​

Q.What does DMDM Hydantoin do?

A.DMDM Hydantoin is a commonly used formaldehyde-releasing preservative in cosmetics and personal care formulations. It provides antimicrobial protection by inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

Reference: Liu, X.; Chen, Y. G.; Lai, H. X.; et al. (2017). Determination of hydantoin and DMDM hydantoin in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography. Journal of Contemporary Chemical Industry, 46(5), 1024–1027.

Q.What are DMDM Hydantoin side effects?

A.DMDM Hydantoin came under criticism these years since it releases formaldehyde slowly. It may cause allergic reactions in people with chronic dermatitis.

Q.Is DMDM hydantoin banned?

A. No, DMDM hydantoin is not banned. DMDM hydantoin is an allowed regulated preservative in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC 2021), European Commission (EC),Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA),Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).