Allergen, Not An AllergenSkin

MCI/MI in MOIST WIPES (Methylchloroisothiazolinone / Methylisothiazolinone): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen.

MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone)

While the full name is a mouthful, you might have heard of MCI/MI. Several posts about the ingredient’s presence in baby wipes went viral due to the severity of the skin reactions it caused in babies. MCI/MI (commonly used as a combination) are preservatives that are published allergens, and the American Contact Dermatitis Society chose Methylisothiazolinone as its Allergen of the Year in 2013. It is extremely allergenic, so much so that MCI/MI is banned in Europe in products that are meant to stay on the skin. Its presence in baby wipes (used on very young, delicate skin) is particularly troubling, but it is important to note that MCI/MI is found in many other products, including:

  • Makeup removing wipes
  • Makeup, sunscreens, skincare, hair products
  • Detergents and laundry products.
  • Paints and polishes
  • Pesticides
  • Glues and adhesives
  • Some medicines (over-the-counter and prescription)
  • Inks and more.

Reactions can occur from direct contact with MCI/MI and also from airborne contamination, such as when inhaling fumes from paints, inks, or pesticides.

Something else to note: the photo above shows the ingredients list of a brand of baby wipes currently widely available in several countries. While MCI/MI is the ingredient that can potentially cause the most severe reaction, it is nowhere near the only allergen present. A safer alternative for nappy changes is simple cotton and pure (organic, additive free) virgin coconut oil, or cotton and clean water. The same goes for adults with sensitive skin: consider plain virgin coconut oil or an allergen-free makeup remover instead of makeup-removing wipes.

If you have a history of sensitive skin, don’t guess: random trial and error can cause more damage. Ask your dermatologist about a patch test.

For more:

On the prevalence of skin allergies, see Skin Allergies Are More Common Than Ever and One In Four Is Allergic to Common Skin Care And Cosmetic Ingredients.

To learn more about the VH-Rating System and hypoallergenicity, click here.

References: 

Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (based on over 28,000 patch test results, combined), plus other studies. Remember, we are all individuals — just because an ingredient is not on the most common allergen lists does not mean you cannot be sensitive to it, or that it will not become an allergen. These references, being based on so many patch test results, are a good basis but it is always best to get a patch test yourself.

1. Warshaw, E.M., Maibach, H.I., Taylor, J.S., et al. North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012. Dermatitis. 2015; 26: 49-59
2. W Uter et al. The European Baseline Series in 10 European Countries, 2005/2006–Results of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA). Contact Dermatitis 61 (1), 31-38.7 2009
3. Wetter, DA et al. Results of patch testing to personal care product allergens in a standard series and a supplemental cosmetic series: An analysis of 945 patients from the Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group, 2000-2007. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Nov;63(5):789-98.
4. Verallo-Rowell VM. The validated hypoallergenic cosmetics rating system: its 30-year evolution and effect on the prevalence of cosmetic reactions. Dermatitis 2011 Apr; 22(2):80-97
5. Ruby Pawankar et al. World Health Organization. White Book on Allergy 2011-2012 Executive Summary.
6. Misery L et al. Sensitive skin in the American population: prevalence, clinical data, and role of the dermatologist. Int J Dermatol. 2011 Aug;50(8):961-7.
7. Warshaw EM1, Maibach HI, Taylor JS, Sasseville D, DeKoven JG, Zirwas MJ, Fransway AF, Mathias CG, Zug KA, DeLeo VA, Fowler JF Jr, Marks JG, Pratt MD, Storrs FJ, Belsito DV. North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012.Dermatitis. 2015 Jan-Feb;26(1):49-59.
8. Warshaw, E et al. Allergic patch test reactions associated with cosmetics: Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2001-2004. J AmAcadDermatol 2009;60:23-38. 
9. Foliaki S et al. Antibiotic use in infancy and symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in children 6 and 7 years old: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Nov;124(5):982-9.
10. Kei EF et al. Role of the gut microbiota in defining human health. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2010 Apr; 8(4): 435–454.
11. Thavagnanam S et al. A meta-analysis of the association between Caesarean section and childhood asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008;38(4):629–633.

12. Marks JG, Belsito DV, DeLeo VA, et al. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch-test results, 1998 to 2000. Am J Contact Dermat. 2003;14(2):59-62.
13. Warshaw EM, Belsito DV, Taylor JS, et al. North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch test results: 2009 to 2010. Dermatitis. 2013;24(2):50-99.

2 Comments

  1. […] makeup, or skincare, look for preservative-free options. Several preservatives like parabens and MCI/MI are top […]

  2. […] VH-Rating, VMV Hypoallergenics products do not contain preservatives because many (like parabens, MCI/MI, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, etc.) are top contact allergens. We do not use fragrances or masking […]

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