J. Fewings, Torkil Menné
Jul 1, 1999
Citations
3
Influential Citations
99
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
Abstract
Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) has been widely used during the last 20 years for the preservation of aqueous systems in cosmetics, toiletries and in various industrial applications. MCI/MI has a broad spectrum of activity against fungi and bacteria at very low concentrations. The allergic contact potential of MCI/MI has been known for many years. This paper provides a review of pre‐clinical and clinical experimental studies as well as experience from dermatology clinics worldwide. This forms the basis for an update of the risk assessment for the use of MCI/MI in rinse‐off products. The scientific data indicate that the actual sensitization rate observed with a contact allergen is extremely dependent on dose and type of exposure. This review of the data leads to the conclusion that, under normal use conditions, within the current permitted/recommended use concentrations for MCI/MI of up to 15ppm, the risk of primary sensitization from the use of rinse‐off products is negligible, and elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis in MCI/MI‐sensitized individuals rare, after exposure to MCI/MI‐preserved rinse‐off products.