In 2015 after a series of patch testing at hospital, I received the diagnosis that I had a sensitivity to Methylisothiazolinone (MI - a preservative) and Linalool (an allergen naturally occurring in essential oils). My skincare routine with natural and organic beauty was well established at this point. Due to the beliefs behind green beauty its not often you'll find Methylisothiazolinone in natural products but I often encounter this ingredient outside of the home. MI was Named ‘Allergen of the Year’ in 2013 and has caused an epidemic of allergic disease worldwide. In February 2017, MI was banned (in the EU) in leave on products and wet wipes but it is still permitted in rinse-off products at 0.01% concentration. As some who has spent their lifetime prone to eczema, I find it interesting that MI is a powerful sensitizer to which up to 10% of people with eczema and 1.5% of the population may react.