Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives slowly release formaldehyde over time; being phased out in many markets.

Best forPreservation (legacy use)
IncludesDMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15
Use carefully ifSensitive or allergy-prone skin

This group is most useful as an exclusion. If your skin is reactive, filter it out first, then compare formulas again.

Compare with

IsothiazolinonesDifferent preservative family, also sensitizing
PhenoxyethanolModern preservative, lower allergen risk

Names to look for on labels

dmdm hydantoinimidazolidinyl ureadiazolidinyl ureaquaternium-15bronopol2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diolsodium hydroxymethylglycinatemethenamine

Related groups