You might be thinking, “what is Sharon talking about?” but stay with me, by the end of this blog series (maybe even at the end of this post!) you will be going through your home looking for what I am about to tell you!

Methylisothiazolinone… and no that is not a sneeze! That is the name of an ingredient that is in many US personal care products, like mouthwash, lotions, wet wipes, shampoo and Conditioners (WEN cleansing conditioner has this ingredient and now are being sued for thousands of women suffering from baldness and hair loss after using WEN), and other personal care products. The purpose of this ingredient is to control microbial growth in water containing solutions. It is also combined with other chemicals to coat containers that come in contain with food, latex adhesives, and ships hull paint. A recent study has concluded that it is extremely toxic to fish.

Methylisothiazolinone and its sister substance methylchloroisothiazolinone have been restricted in the European Union for use in personal care products, including hair products. These preservatives are sensitizing allergens. Methylisothiazolinone has been linked to contact dermatitis — a red, itchy rash. The EWG organization rates this chemical as a 7, or a Red High warning. Other HIGH concerns: Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs); Other LOW concerns: Data gaps, Ecotoxicology, Neurotoxicity

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association of the US issued a statement asserting that MIT is safe in cosmetic formulas.

Reactions reported by patients who are sensitized to methylisothiazolinone include mild to severe skin rashes and blisters, ocular and facial swelling, respiratory distress, nerve pain and vision disruption.

This ingredient is found in the following products that may be in your home:
Lysol products
Resolve multi-fabric cleaner
Woolite laundry soap
Dawn dishwashing liquid
Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid
Glade Sprays
Pledge multi-surface
Renuzit Air fresheners
Gain Fabric Softner
Palmolive
Earth Friendly Brand cleaning products
Herbal essences Shampoo and Conditioner 
Veet Hair removal
Avon personal care products
Dove personal care products
WEN Cleansing Conditioners 

And the list goes on and on….

Now there are several big name companies that are starting to remove this ingredient from their personal care products, but I would rather purchase products I know are safe and effective for me and my husband, and our future children. I know using things like the Young Living Thieves cleaning products, hand soap, laundry soap, and the YL Shampoos and Conditioners and other personal care products don’t contain this ingredient and are safe and effective to use.

Go check your shower, bath, and cleaning products and see if this tongue twister chemical is in your home and comment with the name of the product!