Moderate Preservative NOAEL Data Sensitization Data

Benzisothiazolinone

INCI: BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE

CAS Number
2634-33-5
Function
Preservative; biocide
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. Permitted in rinse-off cosmetics; restricted or banned in leave-on products
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted; EPA-registered biocide. Early sensitization signals emerging in patch-test clinical surveillance as use volume increases following MI restrictions.

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Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

4 study endpoints found for Benzisothiazolinone. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 69 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 150 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 0.2 other oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 5 mg/kg bw/day other dog oral REACH

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Benzisothiazolinone based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
very-high
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
10.4%
Cross-reactivity Group
isothiazolinone-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: NACDG 2021-22; ESSCA 2019/20

Expert Verdict

Isothiazolinone-class preservative emerging as a replacement for methylisothiazolinone (MI) following the EU ban. As MI has been removed from intimate wipes and personal care, BIT usage has increased and early sensitization signals are appearing in clinical patch-test surveillance. Structurally related to MI/MCI with potential for cross-reactivity in MI-sensitized individuals and independent sensitization. Identified as an emerging concern in intimate care contexts by clinical reviewers. Formulators should monitor dermatological society position statements and consider non-isothiazolinone preservation alternatives for intimate wipe products.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

preservative isothiazolinone emerging-sensitizer mi-replacement intimate-wipe-caution cross-reactivity-risk surveillance-watch epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzisothiazolinone safe in cosmetics?

Isothiazolinone-class preservative emerging as a replacement for methylisothiazolinone (MI) following the EU ban. As MI has been removed from intimate wipes and personal care, BIT usage has increased and early sensitization signals are appearing in clinical patch-test surveillance. Structurally related to MI/MCI with potential for cross-reactivity in MI-sensitized individuals and independent sensitization. Identified as an emerging concern in intimate care contexts by clinical reviewers. Formulators should monitor dermatological society position statements and consider non-isothiazolinone preservation alternatives for intimate wipe products. The EU classifies Benzisothiazolinone as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 4 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Benzisothiazolinone allowed in the EU?

Benzisothiazolinone EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Permitted in rinse-off cosmetics; restricted or banned in leave-on products. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Benzisothiazolinone do in cosmetics?

Benzisothiazolinone functions as: Preservative; biocide. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 2634-33-5.

What is the Margin of Safety for Benzisothiazolinone?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Benzisothiazolinone?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzisothiazolinone is 69 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 4 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

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