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1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide

What 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide is & what it does

1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, also known as creatinine, is a small organic molecule from the hydantoin family used as a cosmetic ingredient. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it typically serves a conditioning or buffering role and can act as a humectant that helps support the skin's surface. It is a water-soluble compound that is closely related to creatine metabolism in the body.

What does 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide do in skincare?

1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, also known as creatinine, is generally used as a skin-conditioning and buffering ingredient in cosmetic formulas. It is a small water-soluble molecule that can help support the skin's surface and may assist in keeping a formula's properties stable. Its exact role depends on the specific product and the concentration used.

Is 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide natural or synthetic?

The 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide used in cosmetics is typically produced synthetically for consistency and purity. The molecule itself, creatinine, also occurs naturally in the body as a byproduct of muscle metabolism. So the same compound exists in nature, but the cosmetic-grade material is usually lab-made.

Sunscreens with 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide

We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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