What it is
A brominated nitrile preservative once widely used with phenoxyethanol (Euxyl K 400).
What it does
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial in cosmetics and wipes.
Why it’s a concern
Banned in EU leave-on cosmetics in 2005 and in rinse-off products in 2007 following a European epidemic of severe contact allergy during the late 1990s. Serves as a cautionary case for how rapidly a new preservative can become a leading allergen when widely adopted.
Also known as
MDBGN1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane
CAS numbers
35691-65-7
Commonly found in
older cosmeticsindustrial products
Safer alternatives
- phenoxyethanol alone
- sodium benzoate
Sources
- SCCNFP Opinion SCCNFP/0849/04