Imidazolidinyl Urea
INCI: IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Imidazolidinyl Urea based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: ESSCA 2019/20; IVDK; FDA
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Imidazolidinyl Urea, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: CIR
Expert Verdict
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in mascara and eye cosmetics with EU Annex V restriction at max 0.6%. Dual concerns in eye-area applications: formaldehyde release causes recognized contact sensitization and ocular irritation, and mascara contamination studies document heavier microbial growth compared to alternative preservation strategies. Poor preservation efficacy combined with high sensitization potential makes this non-preferred for eye-area cosmetics.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imidazolidinyl Urea safe in cosmetics?
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in mascara and eye cosmetics with EU Annex V restriction at max 0.6%. Dual concerns in eye-area applications: formaldehyde release causes recognized contact sensitization and ocular irritation, and mascara contamination studies document heavier microbial growth compared to alternative preservation strategies. Poor preservation efficacy combined with high sensitization potential makes this non-preferred for eye-area cosmetics. The EU classifies Imidazolidinyl Urea as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.
Is Imidazolidinyl Urea allowed in the EU?
Imidazolidinyl Urea EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.6%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Imidazolidinyl Urea do in cosmetics?
Imidazolidinyl Urea functions as: Preservative; formaldehyde-releasing agent. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 39236-46-9.
What is the Margin of Safety for Imidazolidinyl Urea?
Releases formaldehyde under product-use conditions (hydrolysis rate pH- and temperature-dependent). At 0.5% use concentration: estimated 0.01–0.05% free formaldehyde. MoS for non-sensitized individuals generally >100 via dermal route. No acceptable MoS for sensitized individuals. The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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