This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Diazolidinyl urea

ALL0-9ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
« Back to Glossary Index

Diazolidinyl urea is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.

Diazolidinyl urea (Wikipedia)

Diazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It is chemically related to imidazolidinyl urea which is used in the same way. Diazolidinyl urea acts as a formaldehyde releaser.

Diazolidinyl urea
Newly determined structure of diazolidinyl urea
newly determined structure
Newly determined structure of diazolidinyl urea
"traditional" structure
Names
IUPAC names
1-[3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl]-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)urea (new)
1-[1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl]-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)urea (old)
Other names
Diazolidinylurea
Germall II
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.071.732 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 278-928-2
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C8H14N4O7/c13-1-9-7(18)10(2-14)5-6(17)12(4-16)8(19)11(5)3-15/h5,13-16H,1-4H2,(H,9,18) checkY
    Key: SOROIESOUPGGFO-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/C8H14N4O7/c13-1-9-7(18)10(2-14)5-6(17)12(4-16)8(19)11(5)3-15/h5,13-16H,1-4H2,(H,9,18)
    Key: SOROIESOUPGGFO-UHFFFAOYAO
  • O=C1N(C(=O)C(N(C(=O)NCO)CO)N1CO)CO
Properties
C8H14N4O7
Molar mass 278.22 g/mol
HazardsSkin Sens. 1
GHS labelling:
Warning
H317
P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P313, P363, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
1
0
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Imidazolidinyl urea
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

It is used in many cosmetics, skin care products, shampoos and conditioners, as well as a wide range of products including bubble baths, baby wipes and household detergents. Diazolidinyl urea is found in the commercially available preservative Germaben.

Commercial diazolidinyl urea is a mixture of different formaldehyde addition products including polymers.

Alternative Meanings:
  • Diazolidinyl Urea

    Diazolidinyl urea is a widely used antimicrobial preservative in skincare and cosmetic formulations, designed to prevent bacterial, fungal, and mold growth in water-based products. As a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, it slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde over time to maintain product stability and extend shelf life. It is commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, and makeup, ensuring that these products remain safe for use without contamination.

    One of diazolidinyl urea’s key advantages is its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, making it effective at protecting personal care products from spoilage. It is often combined with other preservatives, such as parabens or iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, to create a more robust preservation system that prevents microbial resistance.

    Despite its effectiveness, diazolidinyl urea has been a controversial ingredient due to its association with formaldehyde release. While the amount of formaldehyde it releases is typically within safe limits as regulated by organizations like the FDA and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), some individuals with sensitive skin or formaldehyde allergies may experience irritation, redness, or contact dermatitis.

    Because of these concerns, many skincare brands—especially those focused on clean beauty or sensitive skin formulations—are opting for alternative preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or potassium sorbate. However, diazolidinyl urea remains widely used in conventional formulations due to its high efficacy, low cost, and ability to keep products free from microbial contamination.

    For individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, it may be beneficial to check product ingredient lists for diazolidinyl urea and consider preservative-free or naturally preserved alternatives. However, in most cases, when used at regulated concentrations, diazolidinyl urea helps ensure skincare products remain safe, stable, and effective throughout their...

« Back to Glossary Index
This entry was posted in . Bookmark the permalink.
adminWonk

Ben McPherson is a self-taught digital artist renowned for his vibrant and innovative artworks. With a solid foundation in information technology, he has expertly merged his technical acumen with his artistic pursuits. Since the 1990s, he's been a prevalent figure in the marketing IT sector, working with various companies across the Tri-State area. His unique background allows him to infuse his digital art with complexity and a deep understanding of modern technology, setting his work apart in the digital art scene.