Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Diazolidinyl Urea

Also known as: Diazolidinyl urea, DU, Diazolidinyl Urea

Overview

Diazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative extensively utilized in the cosmetic and personal care industry to prevent microbial contamination. It functions by slowly releasing formaldehyde, which acts as an effective antimicrobial agent. This compound is commonly found in a wide array of cosmetic formulations, including lotions, shampoos, and creams, where its primary role is to maintain product integrity and extend shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. While highly effective as a preservative, Diazolidinyl Urea is also recognized for its potential to induce skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis, primarily due to the formaldehyde it liberates. Research on this ingredient is moderately mature, with numerous toxicological and dermatological studies available, though comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses are limited. Most data derive from safety assessments and patch test studies, indicating a variable quality of evidence, with toxicological studies being well-controlled and clinical dermatological data often observational.

Benefits

The sole 'benefit' of Diazolidinyl Urea lies in its efficacy as a preservative in cosmetic products. It plays a crucial role in preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria and fungi, thereby maintaining product safety, stability, and extending shelf life. This ensures that cosmetic formulations remain free from microbial contamination, which could otherwise lead to product spoilage or potential health risks for consumers. It is important to note that Diazolidinyl Urea offers no direct health benefits to the consumer; it is not a nutrient, therapeutic agent, or a compound intended for human consumption or systemic application. Its utility is strictly confined to its function as an antimicrobial agent within the product itself, safeguarding the integrity of the cosmetic formulation.

How it works

Diazolidinyl Urea functions as an antimicrobial agent by gradually releasing formaldehyde. This released formaldehyde then acts by denaturing essential proteins and nucleic acids within microbial cells, effectively disrupting their cellular processes and preventing their proliferation. This mechanism is primarily targeted at bacteria and fungi, inhibiting their growth within cosmetic products. The interaction is largely with microbial cells, rather than direct human biological pathways. While absorption through the skin is minimal under normal topical use, the slow release of formaldehyde is the key molecular mechanism responsible for both its preservative efficacy and its potential to cause localized irritation or allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to formaldehyde.

Side effects

Diazolidinyl Urea is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.5%, but it carries a significant risk of causing skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis, primarily due to the formaldehyde it releases. The most common adverse effect is contact dermatitis in individuals who have become sensitized, with irritant reactions being rare. Uncommon side effects include in vitro hemolytic toxicity observed at concentrations significantly higher than those used in cosmetics, indicating a cytotoxic potential not typically relevant to consumer exposure. Rare systemic toxicity has been reported only at very high oral doses in animal studies (100 mg/kg or more), which is not applicable to its topical cosmetic use. There are no clinically significant drug interactions reported, as it is used topically with minimal systemic absorption. Contraindications include individuals with a known formaldehyde allergy or a history of sensitization to Diazolidinyl Urea. Special populations, such as those with sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis, should exercise caution and ideally avoid products containing this ingredient due to the heightened risk of allergic reactions.

Dosage

Diazolidinyl Urea is not intended for oral consumption or as a dietary supplement; therefore, no oral dosing or supplementation guidelines exist. Its use is strictly limited to an ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products. In this application, the maximum authorized concentration for Diazolidinyl Urea is 0.5%. This concentration limit is established to ensure product preservation while minimizing the potential for adverse effects, particularly skin sensitization due to formaldehyde release. Safety assessments consistently recommend adhering to this concentration limit to reduce overall formaldehyde exposure and mitigate the risk of allergic reactions in consumers. There are no varying dosages for different purposes, as its sole function is as a preservative within the product matrix.

FAQs

Is Diazolidinyl Urea safe in cosmetics?

Generally, yes, at regulated concentrations (up to 0.5%). However, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to the slow release of formaldehyde, which is a known sensitizer.

Does it cause allergies?

Yes, it is a known sensitizer. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of individuals with dermatitis show sensitivity, primarily due to the formaldehyde released by Diazolidinyl Urea rather than the compound itself.

Can it be used on sensitive skin?

Caution is advised. Individuals with a known formaldehyde allergy or generally sensitive skin should consider avoiding products containing Diazolidinyl Urea to prevent potential allergic reactions or irritation.

Does it have health benefits?

No, Diazolidinyl Urea does not offer any direct health benefits to humans. Its sole purpose is to act as a preservative in cosmetic products, preventing microbial growth and extending product shelf life.

Research Sources

https://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/55b745da9643c.pdf – This in vitro study investigated the erythrocyte toxicity of Diazolidinyl Urea. It found that at concentrations above typical cosmetic use (e.g., 0.5%), Diazolidinyl Urea caused significant hemolysis of red blood cells, indicating a cytotoxic potential. However, this effect is not representative of normal topical consumer exposure.
https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=9bda0d14-8d74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6 – This comprehensive safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) evaluated the toxicological profile of Diazolidinyl Urea. It concluded that the ingredient is slightly toxic orally at high doses in rats, non-irritating to guinea pig skin at typical concentrations, and non-mutagenic in bacterial assays, supporting its safe use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8156757/ – This patch test study examined sensitivity to Diazolidinyl Urea among patients with dermatitis. It revealed that 8% of tested patients showed sensitivity, with a high correlation (81%) to formaldehyde sensitivity, suggesting that sensitization to Diazolidinyl Urea is primarily mediated by the formaldehyde it releases, highlighting its clinical relevance in allergic contact dermatitis.