A-Z of Cosmetic Ingredients and Terms
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT or MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT or CMI) are two preservatives from the family of substances called isothiazolinones, used in some cosmetic products and other household products.
Preservatives are an essential element in cosmetic products, protecting products, against contamination by microorganisms during storage and continued use. Therefore, they protect us from any harmful effects from contaminated products.
The UK and EU cosmetics regulations have strict requirements for using preservatives in cosmetic products. Only preservatives which are present on a pre-approved list are allowed to be used, and they have specific conditions for use.
MIT can be used alone to help preserve the product or it may be used together with CMIT as a blend. MIT and CMIT are two of the very limited number of 'broad spectrum' preservatives, which means they are effective against a variety of bacteria, yeasts and moulds, across a wide range of product types. MIT and CMIT can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people so they are allowed to be used at very low levels in cosmetic products to reduce this risk.
Sign up here for regular updates about cosmetics
