[Replacement of Kathon CG by Euxyl K 400 in cosmetics; from the frying pan into the fire?]

The recent negative publicity on the cosmetics preservative Kathon CG has made many cosmetic manufacturers look for safer alternatives. The most popular substitute appears to be Euxyl K 400, containing phenoxyethanol and methyldibromoglutaronitrile. Unfortunately, this preservative also induces allergic reactions to cosmetics and (at least in the Netherlands) to 'moist toilet paper'. Therefore, in cases of apparent reactions to cosmetics and of eczema ani, allergy to methyldibromoglutaronitrile should be suspected. Testing the finished products often results in false-negative reactions, and consequently the allergen (suggested concentration 0.05% in petrolatum) should preferably be tested separately.