Concerned about DMDM Hydantoin? This chemical is in more shampoo products than you’d think. If you are concerned about DMDM Hydantoin and potential side effects like hair loss, read on for the best shampoos without DMDM hydantoin. This post also explains what it is and some reasons why to avoid it.
What Is DMDM Hydantoin?
According to WebMD, “DMDM hydantoin is a preservative and antimicrobial agent found in a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care and hair-care products. It’s considered a “formaldehyde donor.” That means it releases a small amount of formaldehyde over time to help keep products fresh and free from contaminants.”
While this post focuses on shampoo, DMDM hydantoin is also found in
- Makeup removers
- Conditioners
- Hair styling products
- Moisturizers
- Liquid hand soaps
- Facial cleansers
- Exfoliants or scrubs
Basically, it is everywhere because it acts as a preservative to prevent spoilage in beauty products.
Synonyms For DMDM Hydantoin
There are other names that also mean DMDM Hydantoin. This ingredient can sneak into your product under these synonyms:
- 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin
- Dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin
- Dantoin DMDMH
- DMDMH
- Glydant
- Mackstat DM
- Nipaguard DMDMH
- Paragon (mixture)
From Medscape
Why is DMDM Hydantoin Harmful?
Here is what gets most people concerned about this preservative agent: formaldehyde! It is a formaldehyde releaser, which means it keeps beauty products from spoiling.
According to EWG, here are some immunotoxicity concerns:
DMDM Hydantoin – forms formaldehyde a carcinogen.
Human any irritant – strong evidence
Human skin toxicant or allergen – strong evidence
There is also a lawsuit that has been filed that claims DMDM Hydantoin causes hair loss. The lawsuit claims that the chemical causes irritation and hair loss in some. You definitely should avoid DMDM hydantoin if you are known to be allergic to it.
WebMD also notes that Irritation can occur. For some people, breathing in formaldehyde can irritate their eyes, nose, and throat. But this happens mostly with products that are heated, like certain hair straighteners used in salons.
Formaldehyde is considered a probable carcinogen, which means it could cause cancer. But that’s a concern only if you’re exposed to the chemical in unusually high quantities for a long time. Experts are still unsure of all the potential long-term health effects of formaldehyde.
While this is my opinion, if you are using shampoo your whole life, couldn’t that be considered long term exposure? While the quantity might not be a lot, maybe it can build up in the system over time.
Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin
If you’d rather not risk exposure to these chemicals, here are shampoos that are DMDM Hydantoin free and work well:
Here is a list of shampoos that do contain DMDM Hydantoin if you are wanting to avoid them:
For even healthier scalp and hair, read why what hairbrush you have matters! For a sensitive scalp and healthier hair, you are going to want a boar bristle brush. Read my review of the Mason Pearson brush and why it is the best!
Read More: Why Investing In A Mason Pearson Brush Makes Sense
I hope this helps you!
Best, Mia
This content is for informational purposes only, and what has worked for me personally based on my own opinions. I am not a professional/medical doctor, and you should always consult your doctor or dermatologist on what will work best for you. The information presented here is not legitimate, official advice from a professional. If you choose to rely on any information from this blog, you do so at your own risk. Please refer to the “Blog Disclaimer” tab in the menu bar to read more information and the official disclaimer statement.
