Preservatives
MDBGN
Banned in European Union; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
It caused high rates of contact allergy, and EU scientists found no safe level in any cosmetic.
What to look for on the label
Methyldibromo glutaronitrile.
Full name: Methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN)
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: It caused high rates of contact allergy, and EU scientists found no safe level in any cosmetic.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedRemoved from permitted preservatives (Dir 2007/17/EC); unlisted preservatives are not allowed. |
| United Kingdom | not confirmed |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA prohibited/restricted ingredients list. |
| Canada | no specific ruleNot found on Hotlist prohibited or restricted tables. |
Sources: EU Directive 2007/17/EC (Publications Office) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Health Canada Hotlist. Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags mdbgn and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.