Cosmetics Europe, the European cosmetics association, is telling beauty companies to stop using Methylisothiazolinone (MIT/MI) in products, instead of waiting for official legislation. The chemical is widely used to increase the shelf life of cosmetics and household products.

There have been a recent unprecedented number of allergic reactions and eczema cases were reported in recent years, according to the European Society of Contact Dermatitis, who suggested banning the use of MI in leave-on skin products.

The Telegraph reports that one in 12 adults and one in five children in the UK now have eczema, of which contact dermatitis is one of the most common types. Experts say the chemical is second only to nickel in causing contact allergies.

MI was originally introduced in the market as a cosmetic preservative in 2006 and has since been widely used because of its preservation properties.

Products such as L’Oréal Paris Triple Active Day Multi-Protection Moisturizer, Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin, Olay Professional Exfoliating Cream Cleanser and Nivea Body Lotion Express Hydration, available both in the UK and the U.S., are among a few of the popularly used beauty products that have the chemical irritant in their list of ingredients.

Several companies have already announced that they will stop using MI, including Molton Brown, Johnson & Johnson, Nivea and Vaseline.