DMDM Hydantoin

rnmom · ‎03-11-2010

Hi girls,

This might seem like an odd question, but has anyone here had a reaction to this product in lotion?

I always have really dry skin in the winter and use lotion of some sort every day. Several weeks ago I noticed a couple of small red dry patches on my arm and lower leg and just thought it was my usual dry winter skin. So of course, I slather more product on these areas. Plus it was itchy, so again, I think dry skin, apply more product. Then I started getting more dry, itchy red patches and about a week ago I got really speckled on my abdomen and everything.

I've never been allergic to anything in my life so I'm a little slow on the draw I guess to recognize that I might be having a reaction to something. So I stopped using all my scented lotions and have been just using Vaseline or coconut oil to moisturize. The rash is still there but it is going away thank goodness. (My husband says it might take a while because I kept "poisoning" myself, lol) The only thing new that I've been using is a lotion from Pittsburg Street Soapworks and I noticed that it has the DMDM Hydantoin in it. I didn't see that ingredient listed on my bottles from BBW, etc, so I'm wondering if this could be the culprit?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

Never had a reaction to it, but stopped buying products containing DMDM several years ago when I found out it acts as a formaldehyde releaser, no thanks. Unilever which mfg. Dove products is one who uses it quite often, even in Dove products.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Unfortunately DMDM Hydantoin is one of the alternative cosmetic preservatives used instead of parabens. If I had to choose between the two, I would not be using the DMDM, which has been found to cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis.

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
Unfortunately DMDM Hydantoin is one of the alternative cosmetic preservatives used instead of parabens. If I had to choose between the two, I would not be using the DMDM, which has been found to cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis.

@SilleeMee Makes me wonder what I'm using that contains it?Seems like it's on a lot of labels I have read.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

People complain about parabens and sometimes the alternatives are not good, if not worse. @Nightowlz

butterfly123 · ‎06-27-2013

@Shelbelle @SilleeMee

What soap do you recommend without DMDM Hydantoin please?

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@butterfly123 wrote:
@Shelbelle @SilleeMee
What soap do you recommend without DMDM Hydantoin please?

I would never use Dove body wash, unless the DMDM has been removed. Do you like a liquid body wash or bar soap.

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
People complain about parabens and sometimes the alternatives are not good, if not worse. @Nightowlz

Agree. I don't concern myself with parabens. I would rather have them than some of the alternatives.

I'm also on a curly hair group and they keep saying PEG silicones are fine because they are water-soluble. Never mind that PEG's can contain harmful impurities known to increase the incedences of uterine, breast, and brain cancer and leukemia and should not be used on broker skin.

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

@butterfly123 wrote:
@Shelbelle @SilleeMee
What soap do you recommend without DMDM Hydantoin please?

I use St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash. It doesn't contain DMDM Hydantoin or parabens, but it does contain Limonene and Methylisothiazolinone which could be problematic if you're sensitive as they can cause contact dermatitis (limonene) or irriation. I have never had a problem with it though and have been using it for several years.