Imidazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It is chemically related to Diazolidinyl urea which is used in the same way. Imidazolidinyl urea acts as a formaldehyde releaser.
Imidazolidinyl urea was poorly characterized until recently and the single Chemical Abstracts Service structure assigned to it is probably not the major one in the commercial material. Instead, new data indicate that the hydroxymethyl functional group of each imidazolidine ring is attached to the carbon, rather than on the nitrogen atom.
Imidazolidinyl Urea kills microorganisms, or prevents or inhibits their growth and reproduction. Preventing the growth of microbes protects cosmetics and personal care products from spoiling. Follow this link for more information about how preservatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Imidazolidinyl Urea can be found in many product types including lotions, creams, hair conditioners, shampoos and deodorants. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Imidazolidinyl Urea was safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
