A staggering one in five children now suffer from eczema, with contact dermatitis being the most common condition. The British Association of Dermatologists is warning that a chemical found in everyday cosmetics may be partly responsible for this epidemic.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is used as a preservative in a wide range of popular moisturisers, shampoos and shower gels, including Nivea body lotion, Wet Ones and Boots men's face wash.

Similar chemical preservatives have been withdrawn over recent years because of health concerns. Which has meant that the use of MI as a replacement has increased. But scientists are saying that higher doses of MI may well be responsible for the increase of contact allergies, such as eczema.

Warnings ignored

Dr Ian White, a consultant dermatologist at the St John's Institute of Dermatology has blamed the European Commission for ignoring continued warnings. Letters written to the European Commission, calling for an investigation into what levels are safe, seem to have been ignored.

Defending the use of chemical preservatives such as MI, the UK's Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association says they are used to prevent contamination by micro-organisms, and so keep the consumer safe.

But according to a report in the Daily Telegraph, the industry is well aware of the problem, and adds that some companies have already been quietly removing MI over recent months.

Consultant dermatologist, Dr Ian White, is reported as saying: "Bluntly, I think the European Commission has been negligent over this. They have had warning after warning. If it was food, there would have been action."

There must be a reason

Botanicals was one of the first companies to use completely natural and organic ingredients in skin care products. Company founder, Wendy Stirling, said: "There must be a reason for the increase in skin conditions such as eczema. Many of our customers who have suffered from dermatitis in the past say that their condition greatly improved after using our products.

"There really is no need to use potentially harmful chemicals in cosmetics," adds Wendy. "Large companies use them because they increase the shelf-life of products made in huge quantities. It also cuts their costs, and increases their profit-margins."

The president of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) has said: "This new epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis is causing harm to European citizens; urgent action is required."

Wendy doesn't have much faith in the EU legislators to act. She says: "The interests of large cosmetic companies are yet again being put ahead of consumers' safety. It's down to all of us to shop carefully - especially when it effects the health of our families - especially our children."

Post update...

Botanicals customer, Gay Colenutt, just sent us this comment and photo in response to this post...

This is what MCI allergy did to me - plus cervical lymphatics were in total overdrive.

Now I don't buy any supermarket/chemist-type products for hair, skin or cleaning etc.

Absolutely love my Botanicals products, and once again have skin to be proud of.