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Quick answer: Methylisothiazolinone carries the heavier risk profile. Methylisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Methylisothiazolinone | 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 | wet wipes, shampoo, liquid soap | Various natural brand cleansers and toners, Some Jason Natural products |
Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative (MIT) used in water-based 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.
Methylisothiazolinone: A potent contact allergen behind an epidemic of skin allergies. The EU banned it in leave-on products and limits rinse-off use; US use is far less restricted.
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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