Hydroxyethyl imidazolidinone

Hydroxyethyl imidazolidinone (CAS 3699-54-5) is a cyclic urea derivative used as a humectant and moisture-retention agent across textile, personal care, and paper processing industries. Its ability to bind and regulate moisture in treated substrates makes it a functional ingredient in both wet-process formulations and finished product applications for various industrial sectors.

In textile finishing, it is incorporated into crease-resistance and durable press formulations, helping fabrics maintain dimensional stability after washing and improving the overall hand feel. Personal care formulators use it in leave-on and rinse-off products where sustained hydration of the skin or hair substrate is required to maintain health and appearance over time.

In paper and leather processing, it supports moisture management during treatment stages, contributing to flexibility and surface quality in the finished material during the manufacturing cycle. It also appears in specialty coating formulations where controlled hygroscopicity of the substrate needs to be maintained through processing to ensure consistent application and drying results.

Hydroxyethyl imidazolidinone is typically supplied as an aqueous solution, with concentration levels varying by supplier and end-use specification to meet specific formulation requirements. Technical grade is the standard commercial form for industrial textile and paper applications. Personal care grades with appropriate purity documentation are available for cosmetic formulation use.