Is Dimethylol urea Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dimethylol urea is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Dimethylol Urea. CAS 140-95-4.
Is Dimethylol urea banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lotion, cosmetics |
| CAS number | 140-95-4 |
What is Dimethylol urea?
Dimethylol urea is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Dimethylol urea used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Dimethylol urea dangerous? Documented risks
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and a common skin sensitizer. The EU restricts formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and requires warning labels; Washington State is phasing them out, while they remain unrestricted federally in the US.
Products that may contain Dimethylol urea
- lotion
- cosmetics
How to avoid Dimethylol urea: safer alternatives
Choose 'formaldehyde-free' products and EU-compliant brands; look for preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. BannedPantry flags formaldehyde releasers on the INCI list.
Frequently asked questions about Dimethylol urea
Is Dimethylol urea banned in the EU?
Dimethylol urea is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Dimethylol urea in US cosmetics?
Yes — Dimethylol urea can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Dimethylol urea?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dimethylol urea automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Dimethylol urea?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Dimethylol urea.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dimethylol urea or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related formaldehyde releasers
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- Formaldehyde releasers in common personal-care products — Silent Spring Institute
- Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act implementation — Toxic-Free Future
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.