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CarCareTruth

MDM Hydantoin

  • Preservatives
  • CAS 27636-82-4
  • IUPAC: Mono(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione

MDM Hydantoin (CAS 27636-82-4) appears in 8 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

MDM hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative structurally related to DMDM hydantoin. It is not on California's Prop 65 list, though the formaldehyde it can release is listed separately. At the trace use concentrations typical in car-care products (≤0.001%), released formaldehyde is far below Prop 65 thresholds and the respiratory-sensitizer classification does not apply to the finished product.

MDM Hydantoin (mono-hydroxymethyl-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione) is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative structurally related to DMDM Hydantoin. It appears in some interior detailer and cosmetic formulations as part of a dual-hydantoin preservative system at trace concentrations (typically ≤ 0.001%). Like DMDM Hydantoin, it releases small amounts of formaldehyde as its antimicrobial mechanism, but at use concentrations far below any regulatory threshold. Not on the Prop 65 list. Not an asthmagen at trace use concentrations.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Formaldehyde-releasing preservative co-agent; antimicrobial at trace concentrations

Common questions about MDM Hydantoin

What is MDM Hydantoin used for in car care?
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative co-agent; antimicrobial at trace concentrations
Is MDM Hydantoin a VOC?
No. MDM Hydantoin is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is MDM Hydantoin on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. MDM Hydantoin is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is MDM Hydantoin biodegradable?
Yes. MDM Hydantoin has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

8 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.