Euxyl K400 is a preservative made up of two components: phenoxyethanol (80%) and methyldibromoglutaronitrile (20%). It is only Euxyl K400 when both substances appear on the ingredients list (INCI).
Unity Cosmetics products are manufactured within the European Union and therefore contain no Euxyl K400.
So Euxyl K400 is 80% phenoxyethanol. That's a skin-friendly ingredient widely used in cosmetics. It's a transparent, oil-like liquid that prevents water-containing products (such as mascara and foundation) from spoiling. In the Unity Cosmetics range, the eye pencils, concealer pencils and eye shadows starting with colour code 0 contain this skin-friendly ingredient, phenoxyethanol.
The remaining 20% of Euxyl K400 is methyldibromoglutaronitrile. Extensive research has been done into the effects of methyldibromoglutaronitrile and the conclusion is that it is an allergenic ingredient. Methyldibromoglutaronitrile is therefore known as a trigger of allergic reactions.
Since 2007 the European Union has banned the use of Euxyl K400 in cosmetics, because methyldibromoglutaronitrile is part of Euxyl K400. However, the use of phenoxyethanol is separate from this. Phenoxyethanol is in fact a skin-friendly ingredient and may still be used within the European Union.