DMDM Hydantoin

High Concern

Formaldehyde Releaser

Also known as

dmdm hydantoindmdm

The concern

Preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde (an IARC Group 1 carcinogen) as it breaks down. EWG rates it high concern for cancer. Several class-action lawsuits filed against shampoos containing it.

Read the source: EWG / IARC

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

DMDM Hydantoin
dmdm hydantoin
dmdm

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source: EWG / IARC

Commonly found in

Hair straightening products, some shampoos and conditioners

Other formaldehyde releasers to know about

Quaternium-15

HIGH

One of the most common formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

Imidazolidinyl Urea

MEDIUM

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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