DMDM hydantoin

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DMDM hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative with the trade name Glydant. DMDM hydantoin is an organic compound belonging to a class of compounds known as hydantoins. It is used in the cosmetics industry and found in products like shampoos, hair conditioners, hair gels, and skin care products. DMDM hydantoin slowly releases formaldehyde and works as a preservative by making the environment less favorable to microorganisms. A patch test study was conducted on 35 patients with existing formaldehyde allergies, 14 of which were tested with DMDM hydantoin. The authors state that "an increase in the use of DMDM hydantoin in cosmetic products will also inevitably increase the risk of cosmetic dermatitis in consumers allergic to formaldehyde." However, only 8 of the 14 patients tested with DMDM hydantoin reacted to the chemical. The safety of formaldehyde in occupational settings is a topic of ongoing concern, given the prevalence of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in industrial uses. Formaldehyde is considered "an important metabolic product in plants and animals (including humans), where it occurs in low but measurable concentrations." However, long-term exposure to formaldehyde (particularly routine inhalation of its fumes) is thought to cause irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes, headaches, shortness of breath, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.