Imidazolidinyl Urea for Creams & Shampoos | CAS 39236-46-9

• Imidazolidinyl Urea (INCI: Imidazolidinyl Urea, trade name Germall 115, CAS 39236-46-9) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative. It is a white to pale yellow free-flowing hygroscopic powder with excellent water solubility.
  
  
• It delivers long-lasting, highly effective bacteriostatic performance by continuously and slowly releasing trace amounts of formaldehyde (approx. 0.05%–0.5%) upon contact with aqueous systems.
  
  
• It features outstanding compatibility with all types of cosmetic ingredients. Its antimicrobial efficacy remains completely unaffected by surfactants, proteins and other specialty formulation additives.
  
  
• Widely applied in both leave-on and rinse-off products: creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, wet wipes and color cosmetics. When paired with parabens, it forms a synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial system.
  
  
• As a professional source manufacturer, we supply high-purity imidazolidinyl urea with stable and reliable bulk supply capacity.
  
  

1. Direct Source Factory Supply

Backed by our in-house production lines, we ensure stable fulfillment for large bulk orders and offer highly competitive ex-factory prices for premium-grade Germall 115.

2. Broad-Spectrum High-Efficacy Antimicrobial Performance

Effectively inhibits gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeast and mold

Demonstrates activity against penicillin-resistant bacterial strains

Features a sustained formaldehyde release mechanism to deliver long-term preservation protection

3. Superior Formulation Compatibility

Highly compatible with anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants

Its antimicrobial efficacy remains uncompromised by surfactants, proteins or other common formulation components

Creates a synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial system when paired with parabens (e.g. methylparaben, propylparaben)

4. Easy & Efficient Processing

Excellent water solubility, suitable for cold-mix formulation processes

Can be directly weighed and dosed as a powder, simplifying manufacturing workflows

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care (Core Application)

Imidazolidinyl Urea (trade name Germall 115) is a well-established gram-negative bacteria inhibitor, with particularly high activity against hard-to-eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is widely used in:

Leave-on skincare formulas: Creams, lotions and serums

Hair care products: Shampoos, conditioners and hair gels, with stable performance in the pH range of 6–7.5

Wet wipes & cleansing products: Delivers reliable preservative protection for aqueous formulations

Color cosmetics: Liquid foundations and makeup products, prevents microbial contamination

Baby care products: Safe for use within regulated concentration limits

Recommended dosage: 0.2% – 0.5% in standard liquid formulations.

2. Pharmaceutical Preparations

Topical medicinal formulations: Acts as an antimicrobial protective agent to ensure products remain free from microbial contamination throughout their shelf life.

3. Other Applications

Household detergents & wet wipes: Extends product shelf life and maintains long-term microbial stability.

Q1: What is Imidazolidinyl Urea, and what is its common trade name?

A: Imidazolidinyl Urea (INCI: Imidazolidinyl Urea, CAS 39236-46-9) is a widely used broad-spectrum formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial preservative. Its most recognized commercial trade name is Germall 115. It appears as a white to pale yellow free-flowing hygroscopic powder with excellent water solubility, and is a core preservative ingredient for cosmetic, personal care and topical pharmaceutical formulations.

Q2: How does Imidazolidinyl Urea achieve its preservative effect?

A: Imidazolidinyl Urea works via a sustained slow-release mechanism: it gradually releases trace amounts of formaldehyde in aqueous systems to deliver long-lasting bacteriostatic protection. It is effective against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria (especially hard-to-eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeast and mold, and also demonstrates activity against penicillin-resistant bacterial strains.

Q3: What is the recommended usage level of Imidazolidinyl Urea?

A: The standard recommended dosage of Imidazolidinyl Urea is 0.2% – 0.5% for most aqueous cosmetic and personal care formulations. Under EU Cosmetics Regulation and China’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, the maximum permitted concentration in both leave-on and rinse-off products is 0.6%. Dosage can be adjusted according to formulation system, pH value and microbial risk level.

Q4: In which products is Imidazolidinyl Urea commonly applied?

A: As a versatile cosmetic preservative, Germall 115 is suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off product categories:

Skincare: creams, lotions, serums and emulsions

Hair care: shampoos, conditioners and hair styling gels

Personal care: wet wipes, liquid soaps and cleansing products

Color cosmetics: liquid foundations and makeup bases

Baby care: baby lotions and wipes (when used within regulatory concentration limits)

Topical pharmaceuticals: external creams and antimicrobial preparations

Q5: Is Imidazolidinyl Urea compatible with common cosmetic ingredients?

A: Yes, Imidazolidinyl Urea has excellent formulation compatibility. It works stably with anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants, and its antimicrobial efficacy is not affected by proteins, emulsifiers or other functional additives in formulations. When combined with parabens (such as methylparaben and propylparaben), it forms a synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial system with enhanced yeast and mold control.

Q6: What pH and temperature conditions are suitable for Imidazolidinyl Urea?

A: Imidazolidinyl Urea maintains optimal preservative performance in the pH range of 6.0 – 7.5, which matches the pH of most personal care products. It remains chemically stable across a wider pH window of 3.0 – 9.0, but degrades faster under strongly alkaline conditions (pH > 9) and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 50°C. Thanks to its good water solubility, it is fully compatible with cold-process manufacturing.

Q7: Is Imidazolidinyl Urea compliant with global cosmetic regulations?

A: Yes, Imidazolidinyl Urea is a globally approved preservative. It is permitted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, China’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, and other major regional regulatory frameworks, with a maximum allowed concentration of 0.6% in finished products. It has a long history of safe use in the personal care industry.

Q8: What is the difference between Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea?

A: Both are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, but with key differences:

Imidazolidinyl Urea (Germall 115) releases formaldehyde at a slower, milder rate, with better skin compatibility, making it ideal for leave-on skincare and sensitive formulations

Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II) has a faster release rate and stronger immediate antimicrobial activity, more commonly used in high-microbial-risk rinse-off products

Q9: How should Imidazolidinyl Urea be stored, and what is its shelf life?

A: Imidazolidinyl Urea should be stored in tightly sealed original containers, in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources and oxidizing agents. Under proper storage conditions, unopened product has a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture. As it is hygroscopic, packaging should be resealed promptly after use.

Q10: What product specifications and supply services do you provide?

A: We supply cosmetic-grade Imidazolidinyl Urea with a minimum purity of 98.0%, with strict quality control for heavy metals (≤10 mg/kg as Pb), loss on drying and residue on ignition. As a source manufacturer, we support stable bulk supply from lab samples to full container orders, and provide complete regulatory documentation including COA, MSDS/SDS and TDS for each batch.