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.
MIT can be used alone to help preserve the product or it may be used together with CMIT as a blend. Preservatives are an essential element in cosmetic products, protecting products, and so the consumer, against contamination by microorganisms during storage and continued use.
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 have been positively approved for use as preservatives for many years under the strict European cosmetics legislation. The primary purpose of these laws is to protect human safety. One of the ways it does this is by banning certain ingredients and controlling others by limiting their concentration or restricting them to particular product types. Preservatives may only be used if they are specifically listed in the legislation.
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