To the Editor: Methylisothia-zolinone (MI) is a preservative that has been used alone in cosmetic and personal products since the early 2000s.1 Before that time, MI was combined with methylchloroiso-thiazolinone in the widely used preservative Kathon CG (Dow Chemical Company), in a 1:3 ratio with the concentration of MI limited to 3.75 parts per million. This limit was subsequently increased to 100 parts per million, and MI is now being widely used in consumer products.
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- 2. Geier J, Lessmann H, Schnuch A, Uter W. Recent increase in allergic reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone: is methylisothiazolinone the culprit? Contact Dermatitis 2012; 67: 334-341.
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- 4. Boyapati A, Tam M, Tate B, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone: exposure from baby wipes causing hand dermatitis. Australas J Dermatol 2013; 54: 264-267.
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