Loading…
Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. DMDM hydantoin is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Tetramethylol glycoluril is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | DMDM hydantoin | Tetramethylol glycoluril |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | formaldehyde releaser | formaldehyde releaser |
| Where it hides | shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap | cosmetics |
DMDM hydantoin is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Tetramethylol glycoluril is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
DMDM hydantoin: 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.
Tetramethylol glycoluril: 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.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both DMDM hydantoin and Tetramethylol glycoluril (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →