Facial dermatitis caused by undeclared methylisothiazolinone in a gel mask: is the preservation of raw materials in cosmetics a cause of concern?

Kerre, Stefan; Naessens, Tania; Theunis, Mart; Foubert, Kenn; Goossens, An; Aerts, Olivier

doi:10.1111/cod.12963

Cited by 18 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…In the previously published case of MI detected by the spot test, the concentration of MI was above 100 ppm. 2 In our cases the spot test also turned dark blue at this level. The manufacturer confirmed that the test was developed to detect MCI/MI, which it did according to the reading scale.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 50%

“…A spot test for isothiazolinones has become commercially available, as previously reported, and used to demonstrate undeclared MI in a cosmetic product. 2 We have used this test against 3 common isothiazolinones. Although the test can detect MCI/MI, MI, and BIT, our results showed that minimum concentration with a visible color change (blue undertone) was 0.75, 7.5 and 3.0 ppm, respectively ( Table 1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Usability of a spot test for isothiazolinones

et al. 2019

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K E Y W O R D S : benzisothiazolinone, contact allergy, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, spot test Contact allergy to isothiazolinones is frequent, especially to methylisothiazolinone (MI) alone and combined with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). While the incidence of MI allergy is decreasing, 1 it remains clinically relevant, in part due to occupational exposures.A spot test kit for detection of isothiazolinones in industrial water systems is commercially available (Tintometer Group) (http://www. lovibondwater.com/product/isothiazoline.aspx). This spot test was recently used to identify a clinically relevant but undeclared exposure to MI in the raw material of a facial gel mask, 2 suggesting the clinical value of the test.The manufacturer states that the test can detect isothiazolinones down to the level of 0.75 ppm; however, it is unclear whether this applies to the most relevant isothiazolinones responsible for contact allergy. We examined the sensitivity of this spot test against 3 common isothiazolinones, and report two clinical cases where application of the test helped us identify MI and MCI/MI sources in allergic patients. SPOT TESTThe spot test kit for isothiazolinones (Tintometer Group) was tested against 3 common isothiazolinones/mixtures: MCI/MI (CAS no. 55965-84-9); MI (CAS no. 2682-20-4); and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) (CAS no. 2634-33-5). The spot test is based on a colorimetric method, where the presence of isothiazolinone derivatives results in a blue color change. The exact basis of the test method is company proprietary information and the analytes used come in a coded form. A reading scale is provided (Figure 1). The detection limit of the test as declared by the manufacturer is 0.75 ppm, where the solution gets a blue undertone, and ends at 7.5 ppm, where it becomes dark blue. The test is negative if no color change occurs, that is, if the solution (in water) remains clear (Figure 1). A range of test solutions corresponding to the reading scale of the spot test (0-7.5 ppm) and added higher concentrations of 10-200 ppm (Table 1) were prepared by using sterile-filtered water (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany) and the patch test materials: MCI/MI (allergEAZE, SmartPractice, Phoenix, Arizona) 200 ppm, MI (allergEAZE) 2000 ppm, and BIT (97% Sigma-Aldrich, Copenhagen, Denmark) in w/w% as shown in Table 1. The spot tests were performed with the 5 coded reagents provided in the test kit in accordance with instructions from the manufacturer. The mixing of test solution and reagents takes approximately 5 minutes. The developed color was compared to the test kit standards. Unblinded readings were conducted by one investigator (LA or UFF), approximately 10 seconds after the mixing according to instructions.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 50%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Usability of a spot test for isothiazolinones

et al. 2019

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“…In this particular paper, the authors also detailed on an experimental 'spot test' used for the rapid detection of MI in cosmetic products. 115 Similar problems have been described with other products, such as medical devices 116 and industrial (chemical) products with incomplete material safety data sheets, or absent information or labelling concerning MI. 51 While EU regulation appears rather clear for cosmetic products, this is not the case for industrials products, given that MI was previously not recognized as skin sensitizer.…”

Section: Labellingmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…Additionally, also the preservative systems of individual, raw materials, used for the fabrication of cosmetics, have been shown to contain (high concentrations) of MI, potentially explaining the occurrence of too high use concentrations of MI in some cosmetic products on the EU market. In this particular paper, the authors also detailed on an experimental ‘spot test’ used for the rapid detection of MI in cosmetic products …”

Section: Labellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Isothiazolinone derivatives and allergic contact dermatitis: a review and update

Herman

Aerts

Montjoye

et al. 2019

Acad Dermatol Venereol

111

115

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Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from isothiazolinones has frequently been described in the literature. Following an epidemic of sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) in the 1980s, and more recently to MI, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety of the European Commission banned their use in leave‐on products, while restricting that in rinse‐off cosmetics. Despite a decreasing prevalence of ACD from MCI/MI and MI, cases caused by occupational exposure and non‐cosmetic isothiazolinone sources are on the rise. Moreover, sensitization to newer and lesser known isothiazolinones has been reported. This paper reviews the epidemiology of contact allergy to different isothiazolinones, clinical presentation of isothiazolinone‐induced ACD, most relevant sensitization sources and potential cross‐reactions between isothiazolinone derivatives. It also provides an update on recent legislative measures.

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“…Exposure may sometimes be quite unexpected; case reports illustrating this help creating awareness of such sources. Some examples of ACD to "unexpected isothiazolinones" include octylisothiazolinone in compression stockings [127] and a leather sofa [128], benzisothiazolinone in a continuous positive airway pressure mask liquid soap [129], undeclared presence of MI in a face mask, probably due to preservation of raw materials [130], periocular contact allergy from spectacle frames cleaned with MI-containing household detergents [131], preservation of liquid "flower food" by MCI/MI and octylisothiazolinone [132], virtual camouflage of MCI/MI by use of a brand name (Acticide™ MV) in the ingredient information of a hospital hand-soap [133], and possibly triggering of oral pemphigus vulgaris in a 79-year-old Italian patient sensitised to MI by a mouthwash containing MI [134].…”

Section: Preservativesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contact Allergy—Emerging Allergens and Public Health Impact

Uter

Werfel

Lepoittevin

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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Contact allergy (sensitisation) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) resulting from it have a considerable public health impact. For the present review, all pertinent articles were systematically searched via Medline and Web of Science™; additionally, all available issues of the journals “Contact Dermatitis” and “Dermatitis” were manually searched, covering the years 2018–2019, thereby extending and re-focusing a previous similar review. New allergens, or previously described allergens found in a new exposure context or of other current importance, are described in sections according to substance classes, e.g., metals, preservatives, fragrances. As a common finding in many investigations, a lack of information on product composition has been noted, for instance, regarding a newly described allergen in canvas shoes (dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazole sulfide) and, most notably, absence of co-operation from manufacturers of glucose-monitoring devices and insulin pumps, respectively. These latter devices have been shown to cause severe ACD in a considerable number of diabetic patients caused by the liberation of isobornyl acrylate and N,N’-dimethylacrylamide, respectively, as demonstrated by an international collaboration between dermatologists and chemists. Improved and complete ingredient labelling for all types of products, and not just as we have with cosmetics at present (apart from full listing of fragrance substances) in Europe, must be put on the legislative agenda.

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Facial dermatitis caused by undeclared methylisothiazolinone in a gel mask: is the preservation of raw materials in cosmetics a cause of concern?

Cited by 18 publications

References 9 publications

Usability of a spot test for isothiazolinones

Usability of a spot test for isothiazolinones

Isothiazolinone derivatives and allergic contact dermatitis: a review and update

Contact Allergy—Emerging Allergens and Public Health Impact

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