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Quick answer: Methylisothiazolinone carries the heavier risk profile. Methylisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Dehydroacetate is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Methylisothiazolinone | 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 | wet wipes, shampoo, liquid soap | Various Acure products, Andalou Naturals Moisturizers, Puracy Natural Body Wash |
Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative (MIT) used in water-based 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.
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 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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