Ingredient glossary
DMDM Hydantoin
On your shelf ✓What DMDM Hydantoin does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: DMDM Hydantoin · Also: Glydant
In short: DMDM Hydantoin delivers preservation, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Preservation
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Quiet, essential, and nothing to fear.
DMDM Hydantoin keeps a product safe to use from the first pump to the last, at tiny amounts. Not something you pay a premium for.
— Maya
What it does
- preservation
strong evidenceSafety reviews and patch test data indicate DMDM hydantoin at cosmetic use levels is generally safe for non allergic users but eight to nine percent of the population with formaldehyde allergy may react to products containing it or related releasers.
On a label: usually effective at 0.2-0.6%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
Approach with care
- formaldehyde allergy
- very sensitive
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveTake care
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: formaldehyde allergy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- other preservatives
DMDM Hydantoin, answered
Is DMDM Hydantoin safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. DMDM Hydantoin is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid DMDM Hydantoin?
Approach DMDM Hydantoin with care if any of these apply to you: formaldehyde allergy and very sensitive. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of DMDM Hydantoin actually works?
DMDM Hydantoin tends to do its job in the 0.2 to 0.6% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Treat DMDM Hydantoin as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.