Chemical Irritant Used in Skin Creams Banned

A chemical irritant normally used in skin cream is being banned because it has caused allergic reactions and eczema, the Daily Mail reports.

Beauty product companies have been advised to stop using the chemical irritant preservative Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in some products after a series of allergic reactions and eczema cases were reported. MI is routinely added to moisturizers, sun creams, shampoos and wet wipes. Skin care experts in the UK as well as other parts of the world have experienced a series of allergic reactions they believe were derived from using products with the chemical.

Cosmetics Europe, the European cosmetics trade association advised its members to remove MI products that are left on the skin. "This action is recommended in the interests of consumer safety in relation to adverse skin reactions. It is recommended that companies do not wait for regulatory intervention under the Cosmetics Regulation but implement this recommendation as soon as feasible." Possible symptoms brought about by MI include bright red tiny bumps or fluid-filled lumps on the skin as well as blisters, itchiness in the eye area and swelling on the face.

As of late, several companies have already announced that they will stop using MI, including Vaseline, Brylcreem, Huggies, Molton Brown, Nivea and Johnson & Johnson's Piz Buin. However, some products suspected to have been contaminated by MI may still be found on shelves of stores across the globe. Leading dermatologist Dr. Ian White from St. Thomas' Hospital said: "The frequency of reactions to MI is unprecedented in my experience. We've never seen anything quite like it. Contact allergy to this permitted preservative is now of epidemic proportions."