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High concernPreservative

Methylisothiazolinone

AllergenSkin irritantPossible neurotoxin

What it is

A heterocyclic preservative used alone or in combination with methylchloroisothiazolinone.

What it does

Broad-spectrum preservative for water-based products.

Why it’s a concern

Named ACDS Allergen of the Year 2013 due to an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis following its expanded use. Banned in leave-on cosmetics in the EU from 2017 and restricted in rinse-off products to 15 ppm. In vitro studies (Du et al. 2002, Brain Research) suggested neurotoxicity in cultured neurons at high concentrations.

Also known as

MIMIT

CAS numbers

2682-20-4

Commonly found in

shampoobody washcleaning products

Safer alternatives

  • sodium benzoate
  • potassium sorbate
  • phenoxyethanol at low levels

Sources

  • ACDS Allergen of the Year 2013
  • SCCS Opinion SCCS/1521/13