Preservatives
Imidazolidinyl & diazolidinyl urea
Restricted in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
They release formaldehyde, which can cause allergic skin reactions and is a carcinogen.
What to look for on the label
Imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea.
Full name: Imidazolidinyl urea / Diazolidinyl urea
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: They release formaldehyde, which can cause allergic skin reactions and is a carcinogen.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | restrictedImidazolidinyl urea max 0.6% (V/27); diazolidinyl urea max 0.5% (V/46). Formaldehyde-release label applies. |
| United Kingdom | restrictedImidazolidinyl urea max 0.6% (V/27); diazolidinyl urea max 0.5% (V/46). |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA prohibited/restricted ingredients list. |
| Canada | no specific ruleNeither found on Hotlist prohibited or restricted tables. |
More about Imidazolidinyl & diazolidinyl urea
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex V as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · legislation.gov.uk UK Annex V (revised) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Health Canada Hotlist. Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.