Is DMDM hydantoin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: DMDM hydantoin is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name DMDM Hydantoin. CAS 6440-58-0.
Is DMDM hydantoin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, lotion |
| CAS number | 6440-58-0 |
What is DMDM hydantoin?
DMDM hydantoin is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is DMDM hydantoin used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is DMDM hydantoin 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 DMDM hydantoin
- Suave Professionals Smoothing ShampooSuave
- TRESemmé Moisture Rich ShampooTRESemmé
- Suave Creamy Coconut Body WashSuave
- Dial Complete Antibacterial Body WashDial
- Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower GelBath & Body Works
- Curél Ultra Healing Intensive LotionCurél
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne WashNeutrogena
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30Aveeno
How to avoid DMDM hydantoin: 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 DMDM hydantoin
Is DMDM hydantoin banned in the EU?
DMDM hydantoin is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is DMDM hydantoin in US cosmetics?
Yes — DMDM hydantoin 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 DMDM hydantoin?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag DMDM hydantoin automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to DMDM hydantoin?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects DMDM hydantoin.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains DMDM hydantoin 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.