DMDM hydantoin

DMDM hydantoin
IUPAC name 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione
Other names 1,3-Dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin Glydant
Identifiers
Abbreviations	DMDMH
CAS number	6440-58-0 Y
PubChem	22947
ChemSpider	21482 Y
UNII	BYR0546TOW Y
EC number	229-222-8
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES O=C1N(C(=O)C(N1CO)(C)C)CO
InChI InChI=1S/C7H12N2O4/c1-7(2)5(12)8(3-10)6(13)9(7)4-11/h10-11H,3-4H2,1-2H3 Y Key: WSDISUOETYTPRL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C7H12N2O4/c1-7(2)5(12)8(3-10)6(13)9(7)4-11/h10-11H,3-4H2,1-2H3 Key: WSDISUOETYTPRL-UHFFFAOYAB
Properties
Molecular formula	C7H12N2O4
Molar mass	188.18 g/mol
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

DMDM hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative with the trade name Glydant. DMDM hydantoin is an organic compound belonging to a class of compounds known as hydantoins. It is used in the cosmetics industry and found in products like shampoos, hair conditioners, hair gels and skin care products.

DMDM hydantoin works as a preservative because the released formaldehyde makes the environment less favorable to the microorganisms.

Safety

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated DMDM hydantoin and concluded "that it was safe to a great majority of consumers but has limited the concentration to 0.2% free formaldehyde due to the skin sensitivity of some individuals to this agent." A study found "An increase in the use of DMDM hydantoin in cosmetic products will also inevitably increase the risk of cosmetic dermatitis in consumers allergic to formaldehyde."