Specifications
| INCI name | DMDM Hydantoin |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione |
| Synonyms | Dimethylol Dimethyl Hydantoin, Glydant |
| CAS number | 6440-58-0 |
| EINECS number | 229-222-8 |
| Grade | Cosmetic |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid (55% aqueous solution) |
| Assay | 55% solution |
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Typical use level | 0.15 - 0.60% |
| Packing | 25 kg / 200 kg drum |
| Minimum order | 25 kg |
| Origin | India / China |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Storage. Store in closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Permitted use levels and labelling requirements differ significantly between markets. Buyers must confirm the regulatory position for their destination market before formulating or exporting.
About this ingredient
DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative with strong activity against bacteria and useful activity against mould and yeast. It is water soluble, effective across a wide pH band, and is usually added to the cool-down phase. Its regulatory position varies considerably by market — several jurisdictions restrict the use level or require specific labelling, and some brands avoid formaldehyde donors entirely on positioning grounds.
Benefits
- Broad-spectrum activity, particularly strong against bacteria
- Effective across a wide pH range
- Water soluble and easy to add at cool-down
- Cost-effective compared with many alternative systems
Applications
- Shampoos, body washes and surfactant systems
- Creams, lotions and emulsions
- Wet wipes and liquid soaps
- Household and industrial cleaning formulations
Documentation
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)Request
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)Request
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)Download PDF
The COA is generated from our current product data and reports conformance against the standard specification — a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis carrying the measured values, batch number and dates is issued with each consignment. TDS and SDS are shared on request. More on how we document.
About DMDM Hydantoin
Frequently asked
Not covered here? Send the question with your enquiry and we will answer it directly.
01 What is the CAS number of DMDM Hydantoin?
The CAS number for DMDM Hydantoin is 6440-58-0 and the EINECS number is 229-222-8. The INCI name is DMDM Hydantoin.
02 Is DMDM Hydantoin a formaldehyde releaser?
Yes. It works by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde in the finished product. Several markets restrict permitted levels or require specific labelling on that basis, and some brands avoid formaldehyde donors as a positioning choice. Confirm the requirements for your destination market before formulating.
03 What use level is typical?
Most formulations use 0.15-0.60% of the 55% solution, added at cool-down. The exact level depends on the formulation and on challenge test results.
