Is DMDM Hydantoin safe in cosmetics?
DMDM Hydantoin has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted.
MODERATE
Preservative
DMDM Hydantoin
INCI: DMDM HYDANTOIN
DMDM Hydantoin (CAS 6440-58-4) is a cosmetic preservative functioning as Preservative, Formaldehyde Donor. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 0.6%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
Function
Preservative, Formaldehyde Donor
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
0.6%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted in the US with no federal concentration cap. Consumer backlash has driven many brands to self-restrict despite technical efficacy. Formaldehyde contamination from packaging is a separate concern.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for DMDM Hydantoin.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for DMDM Hydantoin — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
preservative
formaldehyde-releaser
contact-allergen
eu-restricted
labeling-required
avoid-sensitive-skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMDM Hydantoin allowed in the EU?
DMDM Hydantoin EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.6%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does DMDM Hydantoin do in cosmetics?
DMDM Hydantoin functions as: Preservative, Formaldehyde Donor. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 6440-58-4.
Compliance Tools
Check DMDM Hydantoin compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
Is DMDM Hydantoin in Your Products?
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Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for DMDM Hydantoin in your formulation.