DMDM Hydantoin: What’s In Your Shampoo?

Most of the cheap drug store shampoos like Suave, Got2B, v05, Finesse, Dove, TRESemme, etc. usually contain an ingredient called “DMDM Hydantoin.” Actually, most professional-grade hair products use it too. So, what is this mystery chemical, you ask?

What is DMDM Hydantoin?

Wikipedia says that “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. You will find this chemical in the cosmetics industry, in products like shampoos, hair conditioners, hair gels and skin care products.

How does it work?

This nasty chemical works as a preservative. The formaldehyde it releases makes the environment less favorable to the microorganisms. I wonder how our scalp and hair like that…

Scientists are concerned that since this preservative releases formaldehyde into the beauty product, it may cause consumer exposure to a well-recognized carcinogen. In case you don’t know, a carcinogen is a cancer-causing substance, like Formaldehyde. They use this ingredient in shampoo because it kills other fungus and bacteria. Ewww.

Your Turn: Have you had any horrible experiences with ingredients found in beauty products? I’d love to read your feedback in the comments section below…