What Is Methylisothiazolinone?

Posted by Chemlink in Chemlink Lab, Chemlink Updates, Personal Care Products, Regulations | 0 comments

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a commonly used synthetic biocide and preservative and is found in personal care and industrial applications. It is a known allergen and this has resulted in the usage levels being reduced in Industrial applications and many cosmetic producers moving away from it in their products.

Methylisothiazolinone and other isothiazolinone-derived biocides are used to prevent microbial growth in liquid formulations, as such MIT is found mostly in liquid cosmetics and personal care formulations.

You might find MIT in:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Hair colouring liquids
• Moisturising lotions
• Sun lotions
• Baby lotions
• Hairsprays
• Liquid soaps
• Detergents

In Cosmetics, MIT has been banned in leave-on applications (2015), with rinse-off application also having been affected by the more recent tightening of regulations by the European Commission.

And while the new, lower, limit for MIT in rinse-off applications does not necessarily mean that all brands are required to change their formulas, many are wishing to do so to protect themselves from consumer backlash.

But this removal of MIT presents a whole new problem for cosmetic and personal care brands, the MIT was there for a very good reason, and now needs to be replaced without affecting the efficacy of the product.

That’s where the team at Chemlink come in. They have unparalleled experience when it comes to re-formulation to exclude MIT and a variety of products available to help you re-formulate your products.

Click to download our helpful Methylisothiazolinone Removal eBook here to find out how to replace MIT.

If you’re currently looking to remove Methylisothiazolinone from your formulation, contact our team today.