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Shop by need · MI allergy

MI-free products for a methylisothiazolinone allergy

1,541 products in our library pass every rule for MI allergy: free of MI / MCI. The best of each type are below, picked by code and updated November 6, 2026.

The catch: 2 of the 8 products below contain fragrance; every card shows its flags, so skip those if you avoid it.

If you have an MI allergy, read the full ingredient list before you buy, since ingredients are listed from highest amount to lowest, down to about 1%. Don't trust "unscented" alone, because it can still contain a masking fragrance added to hide other smells, and "fragrance-free" is only proven by the list. Every product here was picked from its full ingredient list and leaves out MI and MCI, two preservatives called isothiazolinones.

Best Shampoos for an MI Allergy

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Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 06:08 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.

Compare every pick in shampoos for an mi allergy

What we leave out, and why

Every pick on this hub leaves out MI (methylisothiazolinone) and MCI (methylchloroisothiazolinone), both isothiazolinone preservatives. MI is a leading cause of preservative contact allergy, and the EU has banned it in leave-on products. Anyone with a known MI allergy needs to avoid it, and a dermatologist's patch test confirms an MI allergy, so see one if you are unsure. Patch test anything new on a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days before using it all over.

  • No MI/MCI

A simple routine for mi allergy

  1. 1

    Start with the full ingredient list

    The full ingredient list shows everything in a product, in order from the highest amount to the lowest, down to about 1%. Below that point the order is free, so scan the whole list. Look for two isothiazolinone preservatives by name: Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). If you have a known MI allergy, avoid products that list either one.

  2. 2

    Don't trust scent claims alone

    'Fragrance-free' means no added fragrance, but only the full ingredient list proves it. Turn the package over and read the full list, even when the front looks reassuring.

  3. 3

    Patch test, then use it all over

    Patch test anything new before using it all over. Apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days. Only then use it across the body. If you suspect an MI allergy, see a dermatologist, since a dermatologist's patch test confirms it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have an MI allergy?

A dermatologist's patch test confirms an MI allergy. If you suspect you have one, see a dermatologist for testing rather than guessing from skin reactions alone. Testing gives you a clear answer about which ingredients to avoid.

What should people with an MI allergy avoid in skincare?

Avoid MI, short for methylisothiazolinone, and MCI, methylchloroisothiazolinone. Both are preservatives. MI is a leading cause of preservative contact allergy, a skin reaction to a preservative, and the EU has banned it in leave-on products. Anyone with a known MI allergy needs to avoid it.

Should I patch test a new product first?

Yes. Patch test anything new by applying a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow. Wait several days before using it all over. Do this for every new product, including the picks on this page.

How are the products on this page chosen?

Products are picked by code from their full ingredient lists, known as INCI, the standard label list. Each pick must pass every rule, including the MI and MCI rule, and products with more helpful ingredients rank higher. Each list comes from the brand's own page or Open Beauty Facts and is dated.