Ingredient decoder

DMDM hydantoin: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: DMDM Hydantoin

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde.

  • Preservative

DMDM hydantoin in plain English

DMDM hydantoin is a preservative that works by slowly releasing tiny amounts of formaldehyde, which keeps bacteria and mold from growing. It is most common in shampoos and body washes. Some people are allergic to formaldehyde, so ingredients that release it are among the more common causes of preservative allergies. It does not clog pores, but if you have reactive skin or a known formaldehyde allergy, it is worth avoiding.

Is DMDM hydantoin bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. DMDM hydantoin is not a proven pore-clogger, but this preservative family is a well-known cause of skin allergies and irritation. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • DMDM Hydantoin
  • DMDM
  • Dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin
  • 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione

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Frequently asked questions

Is DMDM hydantoin comedogenic?

DMDM hydantoin has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does DMDM hydantoin do in skincare?

In short: preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde. In formulas it is used for preservative.

What else is DMDM hydantoin called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, DMDM hydantoin can also appear as DMDM, Dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin or 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione.

Sources