Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate?

Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate is a lab-made molecule that combines two smaller structures: a diaminopyrimidine ring, which contains nitrogen, and an oxothiazolidinecarboxylate group, which contains sulfur and oxygen. The blend of these two parts helps the ingredient interact well with the proteins that make up hair. It does not come from plants or animals; instead chemists create it through a step-by-step process that starts with simple organic building blocks, adds the nitrogen-rich pyrimidine section, then joins it to the sulfur-containing ring under controlled heat and pH. The finished powder is purified, dried and milled into a fine form that mixes easily into water-based formulas.

The ingredient first showed up in research aimed at supporting fuller looking hair. Cosmetic brands noticed that it could help strands look thicker and stay in place longer, so they adapted it for leave-in lotions and styling aids. Today you will most often find Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate in scalp serums, leave-on tonics, hair masks, setting sprays and other targeted hair treatments where brands want a mix of conditioning and light hold without a stiff feel.

Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In topical products this ingredient focuses on how hair looks and feels.

  • Hair conditioning: It coats the hair shaft in a thin, flexible layer that smooths rough spots, makes strands feel softer and boosts shine. This coating also reduces friction so hair is easier to comb and less likely to break.
  • Hair fixing: The molecule forms gentle bonds between neighboring strands, giving light to medium hold. This helps styles last longer, keeps flyaways under control and adds a sense of volume without a crunchy or sticky finish.

Who Can Use Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate

This ingredient is generally considered suitable for all skin and scalp types, including oily, dry and combination. Its lightweight coating tends not to clog follicles or leave a heavy residue, so even sensitive or breakout-prone scalps usually tolerate it well. People with highly reactive skin should still watch for any unusual tingling or redness, as the molecule does interact with keratin protein and a tiny minority may notice irritation.

Because it is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. The manufacturing process relies on plant-free chemical feedstocks and no animal testing is required in regions that ban it.

Current data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all hair or scalp products with a qualified healthcare provider before use, just to be safe.

The molecule does not absorb UV light in a way that would make skin or scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not linked to photosensitivity. It also plays well with common hair care actives like panthenol, niacinamide and plant oils, making it easy to add to most routines without special precautions.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical use of Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential reactions that could occur, but they are uncommon and most users experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated correctly.

  • Mild scalp redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Transient itching or tingling in sensitive individuals
  • Contact dermatitis in users with a specific allergy to the molecule or related compounds
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally drips or is sprayed into the eyes
  • Product build-up leading to dullness or flaking if not washed out regularly

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate is water soluble, produces a very thin film and contains no heavy oils or waxes that can block pores, so the chance of it causing blackheads or pimples is low. A rating of 1 reflects that low risk while still acknowledging that any film former can occasionally trap dead skin cells if cleansing is inconsistent. Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Because the ingredient is usually delivered in lightweight leave-on serums or sprays that rinse out easily during normal shampooing, it is unlikely to accumulate on facial skin and cause congestion.

Summary

Diaminopyrimidine Oxide Oxothiazolidinecarboxylate conditions and lightly fixes hair by wrapping each strand in a flexible nitrogen- and sulfur-rich coating that smooths rough cuticles, reduces static and links neighboring hairs for gentle hold. This dual action gives softness, shine and a fuller look without stiffness.

Although effective, the molecule is still something of a niche player in hair care. You will spot it in select scalp serums and styling treatments rather than in every drugstore shampoo aisle, mainly because it is costlier to formulate than common silicones or polymers.

Current safety data shows it is well tolerated on skin and scalp with minimal irritation or pore-clogging potential when used at cosmetic levels. As with any new product, it is smart to perform a small patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the formula.

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