High concernPreservative
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Formaldehyde releaserKnown carcinogenAllergen
What it is
A urea-based cyclic compound that slowly hydrolyses in water to release formaldehyde.
What it does
Antimicrobial preservative, often paired with parabens.
Why it’s a concern
Listed as a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in multiple patch-test registries. Releases formaldehyde, which IARC classifies as a Group 1 carcinogen. Exposure from leave-on products is of particular concern due to prolonged skin contact.
Also known as
germall 115
CAS numbers
39236-46-9
Commonly found in
lotionshampoomakeup
Safer alternatives
- sodium benzoate
- potassium sorbate
- leucidal liquid
Related chemical families
Sources
- NACDG Patch Test Data