Methylchloroisothiazolinone
AKA “5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, CMIT, 5-Chloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, 5-Chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, Kathon CG 5243, 3(2H)-Isothiazolone, 5-chloro-N-methylisothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazolin-3-one
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
AKA: 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, CMIT, 5-Chloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, 5-Chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, Kathon CG 5243, 3(2H)-Isothiazolone, 5-chloro-N-methylisothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazolin-3-one
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Preservative
Medicated Active
Synthetic
Clean
A synthetic preservative that keeps products fresh and prevents bacterial growth. May cause sensitivity in some users.
Solubility Solubility in g/100 mL solvent: water, infinite
Formula
C4H4ClNOS
Mol. Weight
149.60
CAS #
26172-55-4
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Preserves Formula
Fights Bacteria
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the 1970s as a broad-spectrum biocide and preservative for cosmetics and personal care products. Created to address the need for more stable and effective antimicrobial preservatives.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Allergen Warning
⚠️ MI/MCI Preservative
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Ammended Safety Assessment of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolinone, in combination
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products-A market survey.
Sukakul T, Kanchanapenkul D, Bunyavaree M, Limphoka P, Kumpangsin T et al.
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR