MIT preservative ban by EC

The European Commission (EC) has formally approved a ban on MIT (methylisothiazolinone ) in leave-on cosmetics, as of Feb 2017 in Europe. (mainly creams and lotions) The product MIT has been under scrutiny for the last years; due to increased skin sensitising claims linked to MIT. It was claimed that MIT has a potential to cause allergic reactions (such as skin inflammation and itchiness ) that increased in severity over time as a result of repeated exposure to the skin.

Cosmetics Europe suggested to reduce its usage even in rinse-off formulations such as washes and shampoos (where it was initially allowed at concentrations of up to 100 ppm) even though in this product group the number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis attributed to MIT have ‘dramatically decreased’.

As a result, many cosmetic manufacturers are under increased pressure to remove it entirely from all forms of formulations as a precautionary measure. Many larger players have already reformulated or discontinued the methylisothiazolinone (MIT) which was often used as an alternative to parabens who are now looking at the alternatives that are on the market.