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Quick answer: Methylchloroisothiazolinone carries the heavier risk profile. Methylchloroisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Dehydroacetate is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Methylchloroisothiazolinone | Sodium Dehydroacetate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Acure products, Andalou Naturals Moisturizers, Puracy Natural Body Wash |
Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a preservative (CMIT, usually paired with MIT) for rinse-off products.
Sodium dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, a broad-spectrum preservative effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It is frequently used in combination with benzyl alcohol as part of a natural-positioned preservative system.
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 Dehydroacetate: Sodium dehydroacetate is permitted in the EU at ≤0.6% (as acid) under Annex V of Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. The CIR and SCCS have reviewed it and confirmed safety at permitted concentrations. Potential for skin sensitization is low. No carcinogenic or endocrine effects are documented at cosmetic use levels.
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