Imidazolidinyl urea

Imidazolidinyl Urea is a highly effective antimicrobial preservative primarily used in the cosmetics and personal care industry. It is a formaldehyde releaser that provides broad-spectrum protection against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some molds. Common usage scenarios include leave-on and rinse-off products such as lotions, creams, shampoos, sunscreens, and makeup. It is often used in synergy with parabens to ensure a complete preservative system against yeast and fungi.

Buyers should prioritize products that meet USP/NF (United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary) or EP (European Pharmacopoeia) standards. Key technical parameters include a Nitrogen content of 26.0% to 28.0%, a pH value between 6.0 and 7.5 (in a 1% aqueous solution), and a Loss on Drying of ≤3.0%. Ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch to verify the purity and absence of heavy metals (Lead ≤10ppm).

Compliance is critical due to its nature as a formaldehyde releaser. In the EU, it is regulated under Annex V of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, with a maximum concentration of 0.6%. In the USA, the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) expert panel deems it safe up to 0.6%. Buyers must ensure the product is REACH registered for the European market and that the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is compliant with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards.

It is highly water-soluble and remains stable over a wide pH range (3.0 to 9.0). However, it is heat-sensitive; it should be added to formulations during the cooling phase at temperatures below 40°C (104°F) to prevent premature decomposition. It is compatible with almost all cosmetic ingredients, including surfactants, proteins, and emulsifiers, making it a versatile choice for complex formulations.

The primary risks include quality inconsistency between samples and bulk orders and regulatory seizure due to improper labeling. To mitigate these, use third-party inspection services (like SGS or Intertek) to test the cargo before it leaves the factory. Always source from suppliers on Made-in-China.com who have Audited Supplier status, ensuring they possess valid ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

Focus on long-term stability and volume-based pricing. For orders exceeding 500kg to 1 ton, you can typically negotiate a 10-15% discount. Request tiered pricing based on annual volume commitments rather than single spot buys. Additionally, negotiate for neutral packaging or private labeling if you intend to resell, and ensure the lead time is locked within 15-20 days to avoid supply chain disruptions.

Imidazolidinyl Urea is generally not classified as a dangerous good (Non-DG) for transport, but it must be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure the supplier uses moisture-proof packaging, such as fiber drums with double-layer PE inner bags. For sea freight, specify 'Away from Heat Sources' on the Bill of Lading to prevent degradation during transit through tropical zones.

Utilize Trade Assurance services provided by platforms like Made-in-China.com to protect your payment until the goods are confirmed received and inspected. Avoid direct wire transfers to unknown accounts; instead, use Escrow-based payment systems. Ensure all technical specifications and dispute resolution clauses are clearly outlined in the Proforma Invoice (PI) and Sales Contract.