Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative used in cosmetic products. While the vast majority of people do not have sensitivity to MI, there is concern about increased sensitivity to MI with continued use.

Under current legislation, there are legal limits in place as to how much MI can be contained in cosmetic products, both on its own and in combination with a similar substance, Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI).

Under new EU legislation due to come into effect in July no new leave-on cosmetic products containing the MI/MCI mixture will be allowed to be placed on the market with the removal of all leave-oncosmetics containing the MI/MCI mixture from April 2016.

At European level the EU Commission is drafting legislation to prohibit MI on its own in leave-oncosmetic products. A review is also taking place at EU level of the scientific evidence relating to the continued use of MI in rinse-off cosmetic products.

My Department, together with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the competent authority for cosmetics products, fully supports the measures undertaken at EU level to provide greater protection to European consumers.

Consumers who experience any undesirable effects relating to a cosmetic product are advised to stop using the product immediately. Symptoms will usually reduce but if not, or if they recur, consumers are advised to contact their doctor. Consumers should always pay attention to product information and ingredients of cosmetic products and in the event of an adverse reaction, should report their experience to their doctor, the manufacturer (whose contact details are on the product packaging) or directly to the HPRA via the HPRA website.