
Allergies: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are two of the most predominant contact allergens found in cosmetic products. Neurotoxicity: In vitro cell studies on Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) showed signs of neurotoxicity when cerebral cortex cells were exposed to liquid MIT.
Can you be allergic to methylisothiazolinone?
Be aware that contact allergy can also occur to other preservatives. It is also important to avoid exposure to methylisothiazolinone preservative or related preservatives in the workplace. Inform your employer about your allergy.
Where is Methylisothiazolinone found?
Where is Methylisothiazolinone found? This substance is a preservative used in personal hygiene products (such as shampoos, lotions, emulsions, and sun screens), and in industrial cooling oils, cutting oils, and paper finishes. It is also commonly added to household cleaners as a substitute for formaldehyde.
What is the neurotoxicity of Methylisothiazolinone?
Neurotoxicity: In vitro cell studies on Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) showed signs of neurotoxicity when cerebral cortex cells were exposed to liquid MIT. [14] However, animal studies did not find significant signs of neurotoxicity when rodents were exposed to MIT through drinking water.
What is Methylisothiazolinone used for?
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative. MI was initially used occupationally, in paints, adhesives/glues and cleaners etc, as a mixture with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). Since 2005, it has been widely used in cosmetics and household products, such as moist wipes, shampoos, cleaners and liquid laundry products.

What products contain methylisothiazolinone?
What are some products that may contain Methylisothiazolinone?Body Washes/Hand Soaps/Moisturizers.Cleaners.Hair Products. • Hair Dyes. • Shampoos. • Conditioners.Paint.Pet Care.Yard Care Products.
What is another name for methylisothiazolinone?
Trade names for MCI/MI include Kathon®, Kathon CG®, Kathon 886®Euxyl K100, Acticide, Algucid, Algucid CH 50, Amerstat 250, GR 856,Groton TK2, Metatin GT, Mitco CC, Mx 323 Parmetol.
Can you be allergic to methylchloroisothiazolinone?
Methylchloroisothiazolinone can cause skin problems when it's used in large amounts in different products. This is called sensitization. It engages your immune system and irritates your skin. Once this happens you may become permanently allergic to methylchloroisothiazolinone the next time you are exposed to it.
Is methylisothiazolinone found in food?
Is there methylisothiazolinone in food? This synthetic preservative has not been approved for food preservation, and neither have any of its relatives, such as methylchloroisothiazolinone. There should not be, nor should there ever have been, any MI in any products for human oral consumption.
What shampoos do not contain methylisothiazolinone?
5 Best Methylisothiazolinone- and Methylchloroisothiazolinone-Free Bath ProductsNatural Shampoo. 100% Pure. Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo. ... Gentle Shampoo Concentrate. Clean Clean. Restorative Hair Wash Concentrated. ... Shower Gel for Sensitive Skin. 100% Pure. ... Sulfate-Free Body Wash. Ursa Major. ... Vegan Conditioner. Yarok.
Does Dove soap contain methylisothiazolinone?
NOT SAFE - USA 2016 - All of the Dove body washes contain MI, even the "Sensitive" version. Their solid soap bars are ok though.
How common is methylisothiazolinone allergy?
Epidemic of allergy to preservative Methylisothiazolinone “Our current rate of positive test reactions to MI to November 2013 is 11.3% (40 patients who had relevant reactions of a total 353), compared with a rate of 3.5% (15/428) in 2011 and 8.4% (38/454) in 2012”, Dr Cahill wrote.
Does CeraVe contain methylisothiazolinone?
Upon further investigation, both CeraVe sunscreens were found to contain MI.
What does methylisothiazolinone do to the skin?
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), especially when paired with methylisothiazolinone (MI), is an effective preservative. In high concentrations it can be a skin irritant and even cause chemical burns.
How do you avoid methylisothiazolinone?
How to avoid methylisothiazolinone. A key thing to know is that methylisothiazolinone is very common in products claiming to be “natural”, so start by always looking at ingredient labels. Be sure to avoid products that contain MIT and any of the other synonyms like MICROCARE MT or NEOLONE 950 PRESERVATIVE.
What are the side effects of methylisothiazolinone?
It is also a known dermatological sensitizer and allergen; some of its side effects include flaky or scaly skin, breakouts, redness or itchiness, and moderate to severe swelling in the eye area. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named Methylchloroisothiazolinone the Contact Allergen of the Year for 2013.
Where does contact dermatitis most frequently start?
Contact dermatitis usually occurs on areas of your body that have been directly exposed to the reaction-causing substance — for example, along a calf that brushed against poison ivy or under a watchband. The rash usually develops within minutes to hours of exposure and can last two to four weeks.
What is the name of the compound that is mixed with methylisothiazolinone?
It is usually mixed with methylisothiazolinone and the combination is sometimes called Kathon CG or Euxyl K 100. It was first used in Europe in the 1970s and the United States in the 1980s. The original European recommendation was to use 0.003% concentration or 30 parts per million (ppm).
What are the reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone?
Reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone are mostly caused by: These skin and allergic reactions usually look like contact dermatitis.
How to treat rashes on skin?
Steroid cream. Corticosteroid creams can help relieve allergic reactions and skin rashes. Sometimes you can buy a low-dose over-the-counter cream at your pharmacy. If you need something stronger, your doctor will need to prescribe it for you. To use a steroid cream: Apply an emollient to your skin first.
Can methylchloroisothiazolinone be used as a single ingredient?
There were reports of more reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and the combination of the two. . Some countries like Canada don’t allow methylchloroisothiazolinone as a single ingredient.
Can methylchloroisothiazolinone cause rash?
Anyone can get a rash if they use a product with too much methylchloroisothiazolinone. Talk to your doctor if you have skin problems or suspect an allergy. They can do tests to confirm it and recommend other products to use. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on May 05, 2021. Sources.
Does methylchloroisothiazolinone cause skin problems?
Methylchloroisothiazolinone Allergy Symptoms. Methylchloroisothiazolinone can cause skin problems when it’s used in large amounts in different products. This is called sensitization. It engages your immune system and irritates your skin.
Where is Methylisothiazolinone found?
This substance is a preservative used in personal hygiene products (such as shampoos, lotions, emulsions, and sun screens), and in industrial cooling oils, cutting oils, and paper finishes. It is also commonly added to household cleaners as a substitute for formaldehyde. This substance is a component in Kathon and Grotan preservatives.
How can you avoid contact with Methylisothiazolinone?
Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients:
A clinician's point of view
Methlisothiazolinone is also used in air fresheners such as Glade Premium Room Spray, and may be a preservative component of a product. Specifically methlisothiazolinone can be found in cleansers such as liquid dish soap, liquid laundry soap, all purpose spray cleaners and window cleaning solutions.
Additional resources and links for Methylisothiazolinone
To submit resources or links, please fill out the submission form at the top of this page.
What is MCI in cosmetics?
Methylisothiazolinone. MCI is often combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI) under the brand name Kathon CG. In the United States, it’s currently used in concentrations of up to 15 parts per million (ppm) in rinse-off products and 8 ppm in other cosmetics.
Is methylchloroisothiazolinone an allergen?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methylchloroisothiazolinone is a standardized chemical allergen. In high concentrations, MCI can cause chemical burns and it’s a skin and membrane irritant. As an ingredient in cosmetics, MCI has been associated with allergic reactions.
Is methylisothiazolinone a preservative?
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), especially when paired with methylisothiazolinone (MI), is an effective preservative. In high concentrations it can be a skin irritant and even cause chemical burns. Because of this, many countries — including the United States — have restricted the concentration levels of MCI/MI in products.
What is MIT in cosmetics?
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are widely used preservatives found in liquid cosmetic and personal care products. [3] [4] Both chemicals inhibit bacterial growth in cosmetic products on their own, but they are most commonly used as a mixture in products. [5]
Is MIT a NIOSH?
Currently, there are no National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines to limit MIT/CMIT exposure in the workplace. [7] [8] Allergies: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are two of the most predominant contact allergens found in cosmetic products. [9] .

Where Is Methylisothiazolinone Found?
- This substance is a preservative used in personal hygiene products (suchas shampoos, lotions, emulsions, and sun screens), and in industrial coolingoils, cutting oils, and paper finishes. It is also commonly added to householdcleaners as a substitute for formaldehyde. This substance is a component inKathon and Grotan preservatives.
How Can You Avoid Contact with Methylisothiazolinone?
- Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients: • 4-Isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl- • 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one • Methylchloroisothiazolinone • 3(2H)-Isothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methyl- • BRN 1210149 • EINECS 247-500-7 • Kathon CG 5243
A Clinician's Point of view.
- Methlisothiazolinone is also used in air fresheners such as Glade Premium Room Spray, and may be a preservative component of a product. Specifically methlisothiazolinone can be found in cleansers such as liquid dish soap, liquid laundry soap, all purpose spray cleaners and window cleaning solutions. This substance can also be found in products labeled "natural". Corporation…
Additional Resources and Links For Methylisothiazolinone.
- To submit resources or links, please fill out the submission form at the top of this page. For additional information about products that might contain Methylisothiazolinone, visit the Household Products Databaseonline at the United States National Library of Medicine. These lists are brief and provide just a few examples. They are not comprehensive. Product formulations al…