Ingredient glossary

Methylisothiazolinone

INCI: Methylisothiazolinone · Also: MI

Quietly necessary

A preservative doing an unglamorous but essential job: keeping the product safe to use. Not something you pay extra for.

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What it does

  • preservation

strong evidenceEpidemiologic data from large patch-test series show methylisothiazolinone sensitization rates reaching six to seven percent with facial and hand dermatitis from cosmetics and paints prompting regulatory restriction.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • all

Approach with care

  • very sensitive
  • eczema
  • formaldehyde allergy
  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskHigh

Plays well with

  • alternative preservatives

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Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.