About Methylisothiazolinone
A powerful synthetic biocide and preservative. Once common in leave-on cosmetics, it has been increasingly restricted worldwide due to an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis. The EU banned it from leave-on products in 2016.
Banned in EURestricted in CanadaFDA: Still permitted in US cosmetics with no concentration limits. Not banned despite international restrictions.
8Avoid
Face Moisturizer Products Containing Methylisothiazolinone
1 product found in our database.
View full ingredient analysis
Shop Numbrrrz Instead
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Clean Alternatives
Instead of Methylisothiazolinone, look for face moisturizer products made with:
potassium sorbate
sodium benzoate
ethylhexylglycerin
rosemary extract
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products never contain isothiazolinone preservatives. Our simple oil-and-wax formula is preserved naturally with vitamin E — no synthetic biocides needed.
FAQ
Why is Methylisothiazolinone used in face moisturizer products?
Extremely effective antimicrobial preservative at very low concentrations, especially in water-based formulations.
How many face moisturizer products contain Methylisothiazolinone?
In our database, 1 face moisturizer product contains Methylisothiazolinone as a flagged ingredient. The actual number on the market is likely much higher, as our database covers major brands but not every product available.
Is Methylisothiazolinone more dangerous in face moisturizer than other products?
Risk depends on exposure route and frequency. Face Moisturizer products are applied to the skin, where ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Strongly avoid. Daily use dramatically increases risk of developing allergy.
What is a safe alternative to face moisturizer with Methylisothiazolinone?
Look for face moisturizer products that use potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, ethylhexylglycerin instead of Methylisothiazolinone. Numbrrrz lip balm uses only organic, food-grade ingredients and contains zero flagged chemicals.
