What is it  used for ?

MIT is used to protect products from contamination by potentially pathogenic microbes (fungi and bacteria). Its use allows to ensure the product is safe for consumers. 

What is MIT  ?

Methylisothiazolinone or MIT is a preservative used in many consumer goods including cosmetic products, to preserve product quality and ensure consumer safety by preventing the growth of microbes. 

To identify it in our products, take a look at the ingredients list on packaging. It can be found under the name METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE.

Where does it  come from ?

MIT is a synthetic ingredient. 

Why and how  do we use it ?

Since 2017, we no longer sell leave-on products containing MIT.

We have decided to go beyond the regulation and to completely phase out MIT of our products, including rinse-off products.

Why is it  questioned ?

Following the controversy over parabens, MIT has been used increasingly as a preservative of cosmetic products. It was then accused of causing allergies and eczema.

Facts :

  • MIT can induce allergies for some people, when it stays in prolonged contact with the skin, such as when using leave-on products (i.e. products that do not rinse with water).
     
  • Since the beginning of the 2000s with the increase of the presence of MIT in products, in particular leave-on cosmetic products, but also in several other types of consumer goods, cases of allergies to MIT have multiplied. 
     
  • For cosmetic products, this risk of allergy has only been confirmed for certain leave-on products that are not meant to be rinsed after use. As a result, a European regulation from July 2016 banned the use of MIT in leave-on products. Moreover, as early as 2013, the European Cosmetics Industry Association (Cosmetics Europe) had anticipated by asking its members to voluntarily cease the use of MIT in leave-on products.
     
  • The use of MIT is limited to a concentration of 0.0015% in rinse-off products.