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Ingredient deep-dive

Diazolidinyl Urea: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernPlasticiser / chemical of concern

Another formaldehyde-releasing preservative, generally releasing more formaldehyde than imidazolidinyl urea. Not a plastic.

Where it appears

  • Shampoo and body wash
  • Lotions
  • Wet wipes

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted with limits and release labelling.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Preservative systems without formaldehyde donors

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Diazolidinyl Urea, common questions

Is Diazolidinyl Urea a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Another formaldehyde-releasing preservative, generally releasing more formaldehyde than imidazolidinyl urea. Not a plastic.

Is Diazolidinyl Urea banned?

EU: Permitted with limits and release labelling. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Diazolidinyl Urea?

Cleaner alternatives include: Phenoxyethanol; Potassium sorbate; Preservative systems without formaldehyde donors.

What products contain Diazolidinyl Urea?

Commonly found in: Shampoo and body wash; Lotions; Wet wipes.

Related ingredients

Parabens

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Medium concern

Preservatives flagged for endocrine activity; commonly co-occur with plastic polymers in synthetic formulas.

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Phthalates

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

Plasticisers used to soften plastic, banned from many products. Strong endocrine disruptors.

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BHT / BHA

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Low concern

Synthetic antioxidants, co-occurrence flag in plastic-heavy formulas.

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DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate)

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

The most studied plasticiser and a recognised endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics. It reaches food and bodies mainly through plastic packaging and processing equipment rather than through cosmetic formulas.

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