Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

METHYLDIBROMO GLUTARONITRILE.

Avoid CAS 35691-65-7 / PRESERVATIVE

Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile (MDBGN) is a potent antimicrobial agent primarily employed as a preservative to safeguard cosmetic products against microbial degradation. Despite its efficacy in preservation, this ingredient is widely recognized for its substantial potential to induce skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Summary

Preservative Antimicrobial

Science

Mechanism of Action

MDBGN exerts its antimicrobial action by undergoing a sulfhydryl-dependent biotransformation, converting into its reactive metabolite, 2-MGN. This active species then binds to critical macromolecules within microorganisms, effectively preventing or significantly slowing the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.005–1%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical investigations revealed that concentrations ranging from 0.0149% to 0.039% in lotions and 0.0144% to 0.0399% in liquid hand soaps frequently surpassed maximum acceptable exposure levels, resulting in widespread consumer sensitization.
  2. 02 A concentration of 0.1% in rinse-off products induced allergic contact dermatitis in 37% of individuals previously sensitized to MDBGN, with an average exposure dose of 2.2 µg/cm² per application.
  3. 03 Even at a low concentration of 0.005% (50 ppm) in moisturizers, MDBGN was not considered safe for sensitized individuals, as 56% exhibited positive reactions in Repeated Open Application Tests (ROATs).
  4. 04 Multi-center patch testing demonstrated consistent contact allergy rates between 1.1% and 4.4% at test concentrations from 0.1% to 1.0% in petrolatum.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient maintains compatibility with acidic formulations. It exhibits stability in petrolatum for up to one year when stored at 6-8°C. MDBGN has a water solubility of 0.212 g/100mL at 20°C and is soluble in various organic solvents including ethanol, methanol, and diethyl ether, with very high solubility in acetone, benzene, chloroform, dimethylformamide, and ethyl acetate.

Conflicts

  • Detergents, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, have been observed to augment the sensitizing response of MDBGN, potentially increasing the risk of adverse reactions when co-formulated.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.06%
Sensitization risk High

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) in the USA permits its use with restrictions (up to 0.025% in leave-on products and 0.06% in rinse-off products), regulatory bodies in Europe have taken a more stringent approach. The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) concluded that MDBGN is a significant skin sensitizer for which no safe use levels could be established. Consequently, its use has been completely banned in all cosmetic products within the EU since 2005 for stay-on products and 2007 for rinse-off products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its high potential for inducing skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis, coupled with its complete regulatory ban in Europe, Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile is strongly advised against in precision skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…