imidurea

Imidurea is a small molecule antimicrobial preservative widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser and provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with some activity against yeasts and molds. Imidurea is more active against bacteria than fungi and is often combined with parabens to achieve a broad-spectrum preservative effect. Its high water solubility allows incorporation into most water-based formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, sunscreens, deodorants, hair dyes, shaving creams, face masks, and other toiletries. The compound can induce allergic contact dermatitis due to its ability to release formaldehyde upon decomposition; it has been shown to activate mast cells via the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) receptor leading to non-histaminergic allergic reactions[1][2][3][6]. Imidurea is approved for use as an antimicrobial agent in personal care products by regulatory agencies including the FDA (United States), European Union (maximum 0.6% concentration), and Japan (maximum 0.3% in rinse-off cosmetics)[3]. It is also listed as an ingredient in some pharmaceutical topical preparations.

Brand names

Germall 115Germall115Germall-115

Other names

imidazolidinyl ureabis(methylolhydantoinurea)methaneN,N''-methylenebis[N'-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]urea]N,N-methylenebis N'-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl urea