MI Free products that can make life easier for MI Allergy sufferers

All about MI, MIT and MCI & some suggestions for MI Free products that can make life easier for MI Allergy sufferers.

With allergies in general on the increase these days, more and more people are finding that they’re intolerant to products that contain MI and MCI. But what are they and what can you do if you suffer?

Methylisothiazolinone (more often known as MI and sometimes MIT) and it’s sometimes partner  Methylchloroisothiazolinone (known as MCI) are both members of a small family of preservatives called Isothiazolinones which are regularly found in products like cosmetics, toiletries, household cleaning products, paints and other items frequently found in our homes. 

But why are they used so much?

It’s not actually that hard to understand why the use of MI & MCI have become so popular over the years, because they’re super effective at preventing the occurrence of many types of bacteria and mould. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from an MI allergy (with symptoms such as skin redness, rashes, inflammation, itchiness, irritation and in the longer term, scaly or flaky skin), their presence can be pretty debilitating. So much so that in 2017, following an assessment by the European cosmetics industry in which they found increasing cases of methylisothiazolinone allergy and methylchloroisothiazolinone allergy repeatedly reported by dermatologists, the European Commission changed the law on cosmetics to ban them from being used in ‘leave on’ cosmetic products and only a year later, limited their use in ‘rinse off’ cosmetics as well 

The occurrence of MI and MCI in other products regularly used, is still very prevalent however, whilst many people never experience any ill effects from their presence, instances of those who do suffer from MI related allergies are ever increasing. Surprisingly, as allergies increase, suitable alternatives which are free of these preservatives can still be very challenging to find.

At Celtic Sustainables we understand how unpleasant life can be to live with MI allergies and what a huge difference you can make, simply by replacing those products with MI preservative free versions. So to help make life easier, we’ve pulled together all the great MI free products we stock into one easy list. see below.

MI Free ‘Conscious Skincare’ products

Pure Sulphate Free Shampoo - packed with active ingredients especially suited to natural hair care. It is fragrance free and does not contain any of the toxic ingredients found in many other hair products. 

Pure Organic Conditioner - fragrance free and made with organic ingredients especially suited to natural hair care. Active ingredients include Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Olive Oil which are both wonderful hair moisturisers and conditioners.

Pure Body Butter - specifically blended for sensitive, allergic and problem skin types. It's fragrance free and does not contain synthetic preservatives, parabens, Phthalates and any other nasty ingredients.

Pure Natural Body Lotion - from the Conscious Skincare Pure scent free range is a fabulous moisturiser using only plant-based natural and organic ingredients. These include Organic Shea Butter and Organic Coconut Oil to help replenish and soothe skin.

Pure Fragrance Free Body Wash - formulated with a natural Castile soap base which makes it great for your face, body and hands.

MI Free Cleaning products

AURO 651 Kitchen Cleaner – manufactured from natural minerals and materials, AURO 651 is an all-purpose kitchen cleaner which effortlessly removes stubborn dirt and grease. It’s food safe, vegan and comes in a handy 500ml spray bottle for easy use.

AURO 654 Natural Limescale Remover – does what it says on the tin! Ideal for removing limescale and rust spots from a range of different surfaces. Can be use undiluted straight from the spray or applied with a wet cloth or sponge. 

AURO 667 Natural Stain Remover – For quick targeted removal of stains from carpets, upholstery and textiles. Removes even the most stubborn stains like coffee, shoe polish, rust, blood, fruit and vegetable stains.

AURO 680 Natural Wet Wipes (for floors) – Especially suited to laminate floors, these eco friendly floor wipes are designed for the simple and hygienic cleaning of all types of wood, cork and laminate surfaces. Eco friendly and non toxic, they’re made with 100% compostable natural wool fleece, making them a rare disposable item which doesn't contribute to landfill.

MI Free Paint Interior Wall Paint

AURO 321 Emulsion (white) – A matt finish interior paint which is wash resistant, free from preservatives, Vegan and virtually VOC free.

AURO 331 High Grade Clay Paint – (creamy white) – the first ready-to-use clay paint on the market that has no preservatives at all. It’s open to water vapour diffusion making it highly breathable and is especially recommended for use in bedrooms because it can store humidity emitted during the night and subsequently release it, therefore improving the quality of air in the room while you sleep. 

AURO 326 Chalk Paint (white) – a traditional interior wall paint based on aged slake lime. It’s wipe resistant, breathable, odour absorbing and solvent-free. Specially designed for rooms with large moisture and temperature fluctuations such as kitchens, basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms. It’s low odour, solvent free, breathable, Vegan and even resistant to mould. AURO 326 can also be coloured with MI free AURO 350 Tints.

AURO 327 Anti Mould Paint (white) – a extremely effective natural mould resistant paint for interior walls and ceilings. Using all natural ingredients, 327 is virtually VOC free, solvent free, lime based and breathable. Ideal for use in areas with high levels of condensation like bathrooms and around windows. AURO 327 can also be coloured with AURO 350 Tints.

AURO 328 Airfresh Paint (white) – is part of a new generation of paints that can do much more than just colour a room! With catalytic properties, it uses the light to effectively neutralise and disperse pollutants and odours in the air, creating a healthier living environment. AURO 328 can also be coloured with MI free AURO 350 Tints.

AURO 751 Casein Paint - highly breathable and perfect in older buildings and natural builds. Similar to traditional milk paint that’s been used for centuries, it’s the perfect solvent and preservative free alternative to conventional wall paint products. AURO 751 can also be coloured with MI free AURO 350 Tints. 

Interior Wall Paints that contain very low levels of MI

(more options for people less severely affected by MI)

Auro 524 Premium Emulsion (white) & AURO 555 Premium Emulsion (colours) – These most recent washable emulsions from Auro are a superior emulsion which it dries quicker, is more durable and covers better. It has a brand new natural plant based binder - Replebin® - holding pigment and paint together better than ever. AURO 524 can also be coloured with MI free AURO 350 Tints.

Earthborn Clay Paint - a unique eco paint with luxurious, ultra-matt finish for walls and ceilings. With a beautiful range of traditional and contemporary colours, odour free and breathable and great for modern and traditional buildings alike.

MI Free Interior Wood protection

AURO 935 White Topcoat Glossy - Linseed oil based gloss paint for interior (and exterior) wood and metal. Has a natural citrus fragrance from the orange oil solvent. 

AURO 936 White topcoat Satin Matt – Linseed oil based eggshell paint for interior wood and metal with natural citrus fragrance for use indoors. 

AURO 117 Natural Hardwood Primer - Solvent based wood primer and undercoat suitable for tropical, hardwoods and woods rich in active substances like Ash, Bangkirai, Red Cedar, Oregon Pine, Hemlock, Chestnut, Larch, Bamboo, Meranti (Dark Red), Merbau, Niangon, Pitch Pine, Framiré, Almendrillo (Cumaru), Jatoba (Paquio) and Teak. Also suitable for OSB, MDF and Cork. 

AURO 251 Clear Natural Varnish - a natural wood varnish for interior wood and wood based products. This water based non-toxic varnish is specially formulated to minimise VOC emissions without compromising on performance. It provides a beautiful, hardwearing finish with none of the harsh smells of conventional varnishes.

AURO 261 Satin Natural Varnish - a natural wood varnish for interior wood and wood based products. Gives a beautiful clear satin finish with slight honey tone to furniture, toys and other interior wooden products. Water based non-toxic varnish specially formulated to minimise VOC emissions without compromising on performance.

AURO 160 Natural Wood Stain - Silk finish wood stain for interior and exterior wood available in 19 different colours plus colourless too. Note: colourless can only be used indoors). Quick drying, with low odour.

AURO 123 PurSolid Hard Oil – Natural wood oil suitable for wood and cork floors exposed to heavy wear. This natural and low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) product contains no toxic ingredients such as biocides or lead driers. It's completely safe and once cured, has virtually no odour.

AURO 267 Floor Varnish - a natural, non-toxic alternative to conventional floor varnishes. This water based floor varnish is specially formulated to minimise VOC emissions without compromising on performance. It provides a beautiful, hardwearing finish with none of the harsh smells of conventional varnishes.

AURO 171 Natural Floor Wax - a natural balsam for wooden floors and furniture made from beeswax and plant waxes. This eco friendly wood floor finish nourishes and protects wood from mechanical wear. Besides being very hard wearing it gives a beautiful honey-coloured surface which feels wonderful to the touch.

AURO 125 One-off Oil Wax - Natural one coat Wood Oil and Wax for all types of interior wood including floors. Contains a sophisticated combination of natural resins and waxes that together create a durable, water-resistant finish and sealer that enhances and maintains the beauty and breathability of most wood.

AURO 143 Boiled Linseed Oil - Traditional protection for work spaces, work tops and tool handles. A traditional hard wearing and water-repellent finish for all types of interior wood and unglazed clay tiles.

Earthborn Furniture Wax – Earthborn Furniture Wax is a clear wax that provides a protective satin finish to interior wood surfaces. It can also be used over Earthborn Claypaint (see ‘Paint that contains very low levels of MI’ below) to produce a durable and decorative effect on furniture. Waxed surfaces will remain breathable yet protected, repelling water, dust and grease.

OSMO Polyx-Oil Clear - Ideal for interior woodwork, combining the benefits of both oils and waxes to provide a very hard wearing, durable and non-yellowing finish for floors and furniture. 

OSMO Polyx-Oil Tints - This tried and trusted Polyx Oil wood finish is for interior woodwork. Used in combination with Polyx Oil, tints provide a hint of colour – available in 7 subtle shades.

OSMO Top Oil - Osmo Top Oil is perfect for protecting interior furniture and work surfaces made of solid wood or edge-glued panels (e.g. kitchen worktops, desks, shelving etc.). It’s also suitable for protecting cork and OSB.

OSMO Wood Wax Finish – A great solution for interior woodwork, combining the benefits of both oils and waxes to provide a very hard wearing, durable and non-yellowing finish for interior woodwork. Available in 15 different wood enhancing shades.

OSMO Wood Protector - Osmo Wood Protector is a clear impregnation made from natural oils and waxes,, that provides protection to interior wood that is particularly susceptible to blue stain (e.g. Pine), e.g. wooden flooring, window frames, kitchen sink areas and wood around baths. 

OSMO Door Oil – provides protecting to interior doors made of solid wood. This clear, satin wood finish is highly resistant to dirt, water and abrasion.

Tester Pots

It’s always recommended to test paints and wood protection products before use, especially in cases where known allergies exist. Sample posts are available for most of the products listed above.