Imidazolidinyl urea

Description

Imidazolidinylurea is a preservative derived from allantoin. It is used to control the growth of Gram-negative bacteria in many cosmetics products.

Chemical properties

Imidazolidinyl urea is a stable white, free-flowing odorless powder with a mild odour. It does not absorb ultraviolet light, and decomposes at temperatures above 160°C (Sheppard and Wilson, 1974). In aqueous solution the pH is close to neutrality. It is mainly contained in cosmetics and liquid soaps.

The Uses of Imidazolidinyl urea

imidazolidinyl urea is one of the most commonly used anti-bacterial preservatives given its low sensitizing potential. In 2010, it was the tenth most frequently used preservative in the united States (parabens ranged from first to sixth place). generally, imidazolidinyl urea is not used alone but as a copreservative with parabens for broad-spectrum activity. Although it may yield low levels of formaldehyde when subjected to destructive methods-such as exposure to high temperatures-under normal use conditions, there is no detection of free formaldehyde release. of all the formaldehydereleasing preservatives, imidazolidinyl urea is the one least likely to cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Background

Imidurea is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser.

What are the applications of Application

Imidazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative

Production Methods

Imidurea is produced by the condensation of allantoin with formaldehyde.

Definition

ChEBI: Imidazolidinyl urea is a member of ureas. It has a role as an antimicrobial agent. It is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser.

General Description

Imidazolidinyl Urea is a non-aromatic, polar, hydrophilic antimicrobial compound. It is used as a preservative in a variety of applications, most notably in personal care products and cosmetics. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi and yeast. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics, shampoos, deodorants, body lotions, and in some therapeutic topical ointments and creams.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmaceutical Applications

N,N-methylenebis N'-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl urea is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations; typical concentrations used are 0.03–0.5% w/w. It is effective between pH 3–9 and is reported to have synergistic effects when used with parabens.

Contact allergens

Imidazolidinyl urea, a formaldehyde releaser related to diazolidinyl urea (see above), is used as an antimicrobial agent very active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, used as a synergist in combination with para- bens. It is used as a preservative in aqueous products, mainly in cosmetics, toiletries, and liquid soaps.

Safety

Imidurea is widely used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, there have been some reports of contact dermatitis associated with imidurea, although these are relatively few considering its widespread use in cosmetics. Although imidurea releases formaldehyde, it does not appear to be associated with cross-sensitization with formaldehyde or other formaldehyde-releasing compounds.
LD50 (mouse, oral): 7.2 g/kg
LD50 (rabbit, skin): > 8 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 11.3 g/kg

Metabolism

Not Available

storage

Imidurea is hygroscopic and should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Incompatibilities

N,N-methylenebis N'-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl urea is incompatible with strong oxidants. It is compatible with other preservatives including sorbic acid and quaternary ammonium compounds. It is also compatible with other pharmaceutical and cosmetic excipients including proteins, nonionic surfactants, and lecithin.

Regulatory Status

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (topical preparations). Accepted for use in cosmetics in Europe and the USA. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.