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Quick answer: Methylchloroisothiazolinone carries the heavier risk profile. Methylchloroisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Methylchloroisothiazolinone | Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | EU |
| Category | preservative | preservative |
| Where it hides | shampoo, conditioner, cleanser | Various natural brand cleansers and toners, Some Jason Natural products |
Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a preservative (CMIT, usually paired with MIT) for rinse-off products.
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. In cosmetics it is most effective at acidic pH (<5.5), where it converts to the active benzoic acid form.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone: A strong skin sensitizer; the EU bans it in leave-on products and tightly limits rinse-off use. The US is less restrictive.
Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic): Sodium benzoate is considered safe for cosmetic use by the CIR and EU SCCS at regulated concentrations (≤2.5% in EU cosmetics). It is a weak sensitizer and can cause urticaria (hives) in some sensitive individuals. At low cosmetic concentrations, systemic risk is negligible — it is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The concern about sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid forming benzene is food-specific and not relevant to most cosmetic applications.
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