CAS# 2682-20-4

Description:

METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE: Methylisothiazolinone (also known as MIT) is a common ingredient often used in cosmetics and beauty products as a preservative. It is a powerful biocide, or “chemical substance capable of killing living organisms, usually in a selective way.” Biocides are a general term that includes antimicrobial, germicide, antibiotic, and antifungal. Ultimately, Methylisothiazolinone is used to prevent a wide variety of bacteria and fungi from growing in cosmetics and beauty products, most often in shampoo. It is only approved for use in rinse-off formulas and at low concentrations.

Although many connections are made between Methylisothiazolinone and Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions, research by CTFA.org and News-Medical.net shows that the concentration levels found in cosmetics and beauty products are so low that there is no risk in using products with this preservative.

In 2016, the Canadian goverrnment revised its Hot List to include additional warnings about this ingredient. Leave on products may no longer be formulated with this ingredient. As of June 2016, children’s products with this ingredient can no longer be sold in Canada. In August 2016, the European Union banned MIT from leave-on products. Companies selling in the EU have until Febraury 2017 to reformulate products to exclude MIT.

Cosmetic Function(s):

• Preservative