As a result of the clean, natural beauty movement, many individuals, including myself, have begun to pay greater attention to the substances in their shampoo and other beauty products.
One component, in particular, DMDM hydantoin, has received a lot of criticism. However, it is now possible to buy shampoo without DMDM Hydantoin?
Many people have switched to natural, environmentally-friendly beauty products, including shampoos.
Shampoo manufacturers have found a way to produce shampoos that are 100% free of DMDM hydantoin, a preservative added to a formula to help extend the product’s shelf life.
If, like me, you’re interested in natural shampoo that does not contain DMDM hydantoin in its formula, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will talk about DMDM hydantoin-free shampoos and why switching sooner rather than later is a good idea.
What Is DMDM Hydantoin?
Various cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products contain a preservative and antimicrobial called DMDM hydantoin.
DMDM hydantoin is a white, odorless preservative regarded as a “donor of formaldehyde.” This implies that a small amount of formaldehyde is released over time to help keep products fresh.
Preservatives that release formaldehyde, such as DMDM hydantoin, are generally used to prevent the spoilage of cosmetics and other beauty products.
DMDM hydantoin shampoo and other self-care products containing DMDM hydantoin will last longer. The substance inhibits or retards the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
Is It Safe To Use Shampoos Containing DMDM Hydantoin?
Although this preservative aids in the preservation of products, it is also a prevalent allergen that has generated great concerns in the past few years.
DMDM hydantoin hair loss has even been argued in class-action lawsuits against cosmetics corporations. Yikes!
Unfortunately, that is not the only bad news I have for you today because it is alleged that DMDM hydantoin in shampoo can also cause the following issues;
Can DMDM Hydantoin Cause Hair Loss?
Recent class action lawsuits assert that DMDM hydantoin can cause hair loss; however, no scientific evidence supports this claim.
The shampoo does not typically cause hair thinning or problems with hair growth.
However, significant scalp irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the substance could result in thinning hair.
Can DMDM Hydantoin Cause Cancer?
Since data from human research has shown that exposure to the chemical may increase your risk of acquiring at least one type of cancer, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
However, remember that exposure to formaldehyde from DMDM hydantoin is quite low.
The quantity of formaldehyde emitted from these items is contrasted with the quantity naturally present in an apple or a pear.
According to the American Cancer Society, research has proven the potential carcinogenic consequences of formaldehyde at low levels in humans.
Researchers have discovered associations between formaldehyde exposure frequency and cancer risk.
High exposure to formaldehyde may increase a person’s chances of developing throat cancer, leukemia, and cancer of the sinuses.
Can DMDM Hydantoin Cause Skin Allergies
Individuals with pre-existing formaldehyde allergies are more prone to experience contact skin irritation from using products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Contact dermatitis, or a rash with discolored skin irritation patches, is the most common symptom of an allergic reaction to cosmetics. Symptoms also include flaky skin, itching, and edema.
How do I know if my shampoo has formaldehyde?
The easiest way to find out shampoo without formaldehyde is to check the ingredient list on the bottle.
If DMDM hydantoin is an ingredient, then your shampoo likely contains formaldehyde.
Best Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin 2023
Several shampoo brands without DMDM hydantoin exist, and we have listed some of the best below.
These natural shampoos contain no harmful chemicals or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives;
KERASTASE, Nutritive Bain Magistral Shampoo
This is an ideal DMDM Hydantoin-free shampoo for frizzy and dry hair types. Kerastase Nutritive Bain Magistral Shampoo It is also safe for color-treated or damaged hair, maintaining color while nourishing hair growth.
Benzoin resin detangles and soothes the hair and scalp, moisturizes, and adds shine.
While iris root extract enhances strong and healthy hair, ceramide strengthens and improves hair elasticity, and xylose provides heat protection.
Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Use the Shea Moisture Coconut Oil Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo if you have dry hair or damaged brittle hair.
It provides gentle cleansing and is a sulfate-free shampoo, allowing you to retain your hair’s natural oils.
Coconut oil is a great way to moisturize your soft hair while defining your curls. The shea butter in this shampoo helps define and restore your curls while increasing your hair’s flexibility.
AVEDA Shampure Nurturing Shampoo
This gentle shampoo has natural elements that prevent hair from drying out. It contains Abyssinian oil, which washes hair and leaves it silky.
AVEDA Shampure Nurturing Shampoo is perfect for people with damaged or dyed hair as it contains safe chemicals and is free of silicone, DMDM hydantoin, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Biolage Colorlast Shampoo
Biolage Colorlast Shampoo is DMDM Hydantoin free shampoo is vegan, silicone, and paraben free and is the best MDMD hydantoin-free shampoo for color-treated hair.
This gentle shampoo has natural ingredients that cleanse and helps to preserve hair color for up to 9 weeks, leaving healthy hair that is moisturized, silky, and soft.
OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
The OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint DMDM Hydantoin-free shampoo is an additional recommendation for a shampoo without DMDM hydantoin.
It contains organic components such as milk proteins, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and other natural oils.
Following accusations that its hair products contributed to hair loss, OGX improved its formulas and developed a shampoo without DMDM hydantoin.
This brand-new product contains herbal essences that strengthen, nourish, and mend damaged hair, leaving it shiny and healthy.
Drunk Elephant Cocomino™ Glossing Shampoo
Drunk Elephant’s Cocomino™ Glossing DMDM Hydantoin-free shampoo is all-natural, color-safe, and suitable for all hair types.
It is free of silicones, SLS, and SLES, as well as MDMD hydantoin. It is a vegan, cruelty-free shampoo that addresses breakage, split ends, damage, and dryness.
Additionally, it has panthenol, coconut amino acid blend, and Sacha Inchi seed oil, all enhancing hair texture. This formula also treats sensitive scalp and weak hair follicles.
The Coconut Amino Acid Blend offers hair a glossy appearance, leaving it soft; the Sacha Inchi Seed Oil makes healthy hair shiny and reduces heat damage.
The Panthenol/pro-vitamin B5 softens, smooths, and strengthens your hair. This is unquestionably one of the gentlest sulfate-free shampoo solutions for scalp irritation therapy.
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
The Olaplex No.4 Bond DMDM Hydantoin-free shampoo fortifies and restores cuticle-damaged hair.
It is the perfect MDMD hydantoin-free shampoo for dry, brittle, breakage-prone, or colored hair. Furthermore, this shampoo is made for you if you use chemicals or excessive heat to style your hair.
The shampoo will repair your hair, leaving it soft, healthy, lustrous, and moisturized. Furthermore, this shampoo heals split ends, tames frizz, reduces hair breakage, and imparts a gorgeous sheen.
Is DMDM Hydantoin Toxic?
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the safety of DMDM Hydantoin. Some sources say it’s toxic, while others claim it’s safe.
According to research by experts at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), they suggest that DMDM Hydantoin is not classified as a human carcinogen nor known to be toxicologically harmful to humans.
Is DMDM Hydantoin Harmful To The Environment?
Glydant is the trade name for the antibacterial formaldehyde releaser preservative DMDM hydantoin. However, it is also known as the following:
- 1,3-Bis (hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione butyl carbamate
- 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin
- Dantoin DMDMH
- Dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin
- DMDMH
- Mackstat DM
- Nipaguard DMDMH
There is limited information on the environmental effects of DMDM hydantoin.
Some claim it is not harmful to the environment and that DMDM hydantoin, a synthetic preservative, is non-toxic and non-irritating.
However, in contrast, formaldehyde is harmful to the environment. It is a synthetic preservative that is considered toxic and irritating.
It is not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shampoo Without DMDM Hydantoin
Why Should I Avoid Shampoos With DMDM Hydantoin?
Although the FDA has approved DMDM Hydantoin as safe for use in cosmetics, some people may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to this preservative.
Furthermore, because it releases small amounts of formaldehyde – a known carcinogen – some consumers choose to avoid it out of an abundance of caution.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Using DMDM Hydantoin?
Potential side effects of DMDM Hydantoin include skin irritation and allergies.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to some types of cancers, but more research is needed to understand the implications fully.
How Can I Identify DMDM Hydantoin in the Ingredient List?
DMDM Hydantoin is usually listed plainly on the ingredient list. If you’re trying to avoid it, look for other formaldehyde releasers too, like: quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea,
imidazolidinyl urea,
methenamine,
and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
What Should I Look For In A Shampoo Without DMDM Hydantoin?
Look for a shampoo that uses other preservatives less likely to cause irritation or allergies, like certain types of parabens, phenoxyethanol, or ethylhexylglycerin.
Check the labels for natural ingredients, moisturizing agents, and conditioners.
Are Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin as Effective as Those with It?
Yes, the presence or absence of DMDM Hydantoin doesn’t affect the primary function of shampoos, which is to clean your hair. Its function is preservative.
Plenty of alternative preservatives can keep your shampoo safe from bacteria and mold.
Where Can I Buy Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin?
Shampoos without DMDM Hydantoin can be found everywhere you’d typically buy personal care products.
This includes drug stores, grocery stores, online marketplaces, or directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Are There Specific Brands That Make Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin?
Yes, several brands are known for creating products free of harsh chemicals and potential irritants, like Shea Moisture, Acure, and Avalon Organics, among others. Always check the label to be sure.
Are Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin More Expensive?
Not necessarily. The cost of shampoo depends on various factors, including the brand, the ingredients, the packaging, and the marketing.
While some shampoos without DMDM Hydantoin might be more expensive, there are plenty of affordable options.
Can I Use Shampoos Without DMDM Hydantoin on Color-Treated Hair?
Yes, you can use shampoos without DMDM Hydantoin on color-treated hair.
However, ensure the product you choose is labeled as safe for color-treated hair to prevent fading or damage to your color.
Conclusion: Should I be worried about DMDM hydantoin?
I believe only shampoos without DMDM hydantoin or those that release very small amounts of formaldehyde are safe to use.
Nevertheless, there are still reports of consumers experiencing problems after using DMDM Hydantoin-containing treatments. If in doubt, you should always seek professional medical advice.
Therefore, if you have any doubts and especially sensitive skin problems or allergies, you should avoid shampoos or other hair or skin care products containing DMDM hydantoin.
altogether and choose the all-natural beauty route to keep your hair healthy. This is not only better for you, but for the environment too!
