Ingredient
Diazolidinyl Urea
What is Diazolidinyl Urea?
Diazolidinyl Urea is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It's synthesized by chemically reacting allantoin with formaldehyde, creating an antimicrobial agent that helps extend shelf life.
It functions by releasing formaldehyde in small amounts over time, which acts to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. There are concerns regarding its potential to release formaldehyde, a known irritant and sensitizer, although it is used at concentrations deemed safe for cosmetics by regulatory bodies.
When you see Diazolidinyl Urea on a label, it indicates that the product has been formulated to prevent microbial contamination, which is especially important for products that are repeatedly exposed to air and skin contact.
Commonly found in: moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, cleansers
What to watch
- May release small amounts of formaldehyde, which can be an irritant or allergen for some people.
Benefits
- Effectively extends the shelf life of cosmetic products by preventing microbial growth.
Approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products with specific concentration limits.
Evidence highlights some risk of irritation from formaldehyde release, but generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Diazolidinyl Urea is synthetically produced and not derived from animals.
Sources: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Diazolidinyl Urea
Scout's take
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative in the leave-on Treatment. Formaldehyde is IARC Group 1 and a top-rank contact sensitizer.
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