DMDM Hydantoin
Decode Label flags DMDM Hydantoin as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (carcinogen). It appears in 4 of the 893 published products we have analysed (0.4%).
The concern
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative — carcinogen concern
DMDM hydantoin slowly releases formaldehyde as a preservative mechanism. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (IARC Group 1) and potent sensitiser. It can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The EU restricts its maximum concentration and requires labelling that it releases formaldehyde.
Most relevant to
How common it is in this catalogue
Measured across every product Decode Label has analysed — not estimated, and not taken from anyone else's dataset.
By category
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Permitted | Annex V 33 | — max 0.6% | View → |
Hazard classification
Permitted as a preservative; the requirement is a consumer warning where formaldehyde release exceeds the threshold.
Permitted as a preservative; the requirement is a consumer warning where formaldehyde release exceeds the threshold.
Identity
- Canonical name
- DMDM Hydantoin
- CAS number
- 6440-58-0
- EC number
- 229-222-8
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is DMDM Hydantoin safe?
EU: EU Reg. 2022/1181 — formaldehyde-release labelling requirement. Why it is flagged: Formaldehyde-releasing preservative — carcinogen concern. Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It appears in 4 of the 893 published products we have analysed (0.4%).
How common is DMDM Hydantoin in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label found DMDM Hydantoin in 4 of 893 published products (0.4%), most often in Bath & Body.
Which authorities have classified DMDM Hydantoin?
EU — EU Reg. 2022/1181 — formaldehyde-release labelling requirement.
Is DMDM Hydantoin restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), DMDM Hydantoin has 1 permitted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with DMDM Hydantoin?
Anyone using this regularly; People prone to allergies.
Products containing DMDM Hydantoin
4 published products, each with its own full analysis.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.