Imidurea

Imidurea is a antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol. Imidurea is primarily used as a preservative in a wide range of products, including creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.

Chemical Structure

Imidurea, also known as N,N-methylenebis[N'-(3-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)urea], is a urea derivative. Its chemical formula is C11H16N8O8 and its molecular weight is 388.30 g/mol. The structure of imidurea consists of two urea molecules linked by a methylene bridge.

Uses

Imidurea is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Imidurea is often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance its antimicrobial activity.

In addition to its preservative properties, imidurea also has humectant properties, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin and hair. This makes it a useful ingredient in moisturizing creams, lotions, and hair conditioners.

Safety

Imidurea is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. However, like many preservatives, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. It is always recommended to perform a patch test before using a new product containing imidurea.

Regulation

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the use of imidurea as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. In the European Union, imidurea is also permitted as a preservative, but its concentration in finished products is limited to 0.6%.

See Also

• Preservative
• Antimicrobial
• Urea
• Cosmetics