The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for scavenging hydrogen sulfide and/or mercaptans from fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of hydantoin compounds as a hydrogen sulfide or a mercaptan scavenger for hydrocarbon fluids, particularly for natural gas, crude oil, field oil, fuel oil, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, slurry oil, gas oil, resid, refinery gas, coal gas, tar, asphalt, coke gas, ammonia synthesis gas, gas from a sulfurization plant, or industrial gas streams.