DMDM Hydantoin is a widely used cosmetic ingredient belonging to the hydantoin family and is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetic and personal-care formulations. It is identified by the INCI name DMDM HYDANTOIN, CAS Number 6440-58-0, and EC Number 229-222-8. Chemically, it is known as 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione and has a molecular formula of C7H12N2O4 with a molecular weight of 188.18 g/mol.
DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, meaning it gradually releases small amounts of formaldehyde in a cosmetic formulation to help control microbial growth. It is therefore especially relevant to water-containing products where protection against microbial spoilage is an important formulation requirement.
DMDM Hydantoin is a synthetic hydantoin derivative and is commonly supplied for cosmetic manufacturing as an aqueous solution, frequently around 55% active material. Commercial cosmetic-grade specifications commonly describe the material as a clear, colorless liquid with controlled pH, water content and formaldehyde characteristics.
The active DMDM Hydantoin component has a molecular weight of 188.18 g/mol and is associated with CAS 6440-58-0. PubChem reports a melting point around 90°C for the chemical substance, while commercial 55% aqueous products are liquids and therefore are normally controlled using solution-specific parameters rather than a melting-point specification.
For B2B procurement, cosmetic manufacturers should evaluate the active content, pH, free formaldehyde, total formaldehyde, water content and other product-specific quality parameters rather than relying only on the chemical identity.
DMDM Hydantoin functions as a cosmetic preservative and antimicrobial ingredient. It is particularly useful in formulations containing water because such products can support the growth of microorganisms during storage and consumer use. As a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, DMDM Hydantoin provides a controlled source of antimicrobial activity within the finished cosmetic system.
Its recognized cosmetic role makes DMDM Hydantoin relevant to shampoos, hair conditioners, hair-care products, creams, lotions and other water-based personal-care formulations. Formulators should nevertheless select the preservative system according to the product's composition, pH, packaging, manufacturing process and microbiological requirements.
For the European Union, DMDM Hydantoin is listed in Annex V, entry 33, with a maximum concentration of 0.6% in finished cosmetic products when used as a preservative. This value applies to the finished cosmetic formulation and is not the assay specification of the raw material.
DMDM Hydantoin is used as a cosmetic preservative ingredient across a range of personal-care products. It is particularly relevant to water-based formulations where protection against microbial contamination is required.
Typical applications include shampoos, hair conditioners, hair gels, creams, lotions, cleansers and other personal-care formulations. Published commercial information also identifies its use in skin-care and other aqueous cosmetic products.
The commercial form of DMDM Hydantoin is commonly a 55% aqueous solution, making it convenient for incorporation into liquid cosmetic manufacturing processes. The actual addition level should be established according to the supplier specification, finished-product preservation strategy and regulatory requirements of the target market.
When using DMDM Hydantoin as a cosmetic ingredient, formulators should consider the active concentration, pH, free formaldehyde, total formaldehyde and water content of the supplied grade. A published commercial specification for a 55% DMDM Hydantoin solution gives pH 6.5–7.5, water 44.0–46.0% w/w, free formaldehyde maximum 1.0% w/w and total formaldehyde 17.0–19.0% w/w. These are supplier-specific reference specifications and should not automatically be treated as an SDP release specification.
Compatibility with surfactants, emulsifiers, conditioning agents, fragrances and other preservative components should be assessed during formulation development. The final preservation system should be validated in the complete formulation rather than assuming performance from the raw material alone.
Regulatory review is also important because DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releaser. Under EU rules, finished cosmetics containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives must carry the applicable “releases formaldehyde” warning when the total released formaldehyde exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm), subject to the regulation's requirements and transition provisions.
Businesses looking for a DMDM Hydantoin cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India can evaluate the material according to active content, physical form, pH, formaldehyde profile, water content, documentation and intended cosmetic application. A reliable DMDM Hydantoin supplier in India should provide clear product identification and batch-specific quality documentation for professional cosmetic manufacturing.
For DMDM Hydantoin manufacturing in India, consistency of the aqueous grade is important because differences in active content, pH or formaldehyde profile can affect formulation development and quality control. Bulk buyers may require specific packaging, quantity, COA, SDS and technical specifications according to their manufacturing needs.
Businesses searching for DMDM Hydantoin bulk cosmetic ingredient supplier in India can evaluate the product against their formulation requirements and destination-market regulations. The actual commercial specification should always be confirmed against the batch COA supplied with the material.
Swapnroop provides a B2B-focused approach to DMDM Hydantoin cosmetic ingredient supply in India, with emphasis on product-specific technical requirements and applications in personal-care formulations. DMDM Hydantoin can be evaluated for suitable cosmetic applications based on active content, physical characteristics, formulation compatibility and quality documentation.
For businesses seeking a DMDM Hydantoin cosmetic ingredient manufacturer and supplier in India, Swapnroop can support evaluation of the ingredient for bulk cosmetic manufacturing requirements, with attention to technical specifications, formulation suitability and commercial supply needs.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |