DMDM Hydantoin is a preservative that is used in the cosmetics industry and can be found in shampoos, conditioners, gel, and other skin care products. DMDM Hydantoin is an “antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative” as described on the Environmental Working Group’s website.
The function of DMDM Hydantoin is to release small amounts of formaldehyde over the shelf life of a product. The formaldehyde that is released into the environment of the product becomes unstable to the organisms living in it. This makes it hard for the product to become infected with bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. However, formaldehyde is not healthy for humans. It has been known to cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and even lungs as the formaldehyde is released into the air. DMDM Hydantoin has also set off allergic responses in some people that have caused burning, itching, blistering and even scaling of the skin. In some countries like Japan, DMDM Hydantoin is prohibited to be used in certain cosmetics. In the US, DMDM Hydantoin is only allowed to be used in a 0.2% concentration in cosmetics due to sensitivities to the chemical. The claim is that at a concentration this low, it would be equivalent to the amount natural occurring formaldehyde given off by an apple. My question though is……how can we be sure that the amount used within the products we buy have those low amounts? An apple gives off natural occurring formaldehyde which is much different than the formaldehyde released from a synthetic man made chemical. To me they are not equal.
I don’t know about you but I certainly do not want to use any product that contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde has its own purpose but being in my cosmetics is not one of them.
For more information on DMDM Hydantoin and a list of products please visit:
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702196-dmdm-hydantoin-formaldehyde-releaser/
