Some of the beauty industry’s biggest names have come under attack for continuing to use a preservative thought to cause allergic reactions in eczema patients, just weeks before a Europe-wide ban comes into effect.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) can cause rashes and swelling in those with sensitive skin and was banned from use in leave-in products by the European Commission in September, 2014. The measure applies to products placed on the market after July 16, 2015.
According to a name-and-shame-report in The Daily Mail, the preservative was found in leave-in products by Clarins, Decléor (L’Oréal), Nivea (Beiersdorf), Clinique (Estée Lauder) Neutrogena (J&J), Dove (Unilever), Pantene (P&G) and Colgate, among others.
Dr David Orton of the British Association of Dermatologists told the newspaper: “The lack of urgency some manufacturers have shown in removing MI from products is hugely disappointing. Consumers should be aware of the inertia of the manufacturers.”