Patch test reactions to cosmetic allergens in 1995–1997 and 2000–2002 in Finland – a multicentre study

Abstract

Contact sensitivity to cosmetics is common, but the sensitizing chemicals vary between countries and study periods. The present survey aimed at revealing the recent trends in patch test sensitivity with cosmetic chemicals in Finland. We report a retrospective multicentre survey of patch test reactions focusing on cosmetic-related substances and comparing the test results in 1995-97 with those in 2000-02. The most striking increases in the frequency of the patch test sensitivity were found with balsam of Peru and propolis from 4.0% to 6.2% (P < 0.001) and from 0.5% to 1.4% (P < 0.001), respectively, whereas the most prominent decreases were found with methylchloro/methylisothiazolinone and chlorhexidine diglugonate from 2.4% to 1.3% (P < 0.001) and from 1.2% to 0.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. The level of patch test sensitivity to methyldibromo glutaronitrile increased, although not significantly, from 1.0% to 1.5%. An increasing tendency was also found with hair dye chemicals 4-aminophenol and toluene-2,5-diamine or toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate from 1.3% to 3.8% and from 1.4% to 5.2%, respectively, while such a tendency was not found among permanent wave chemicals. The sensitivity level of fragrance mix remained the same (6% - 7%). We conclude that surveys revealing the state of sensitivity to cosmetic chemicals should be performed periodically in different countries.

Allergic patch test reactions associated with cosmetics: Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2001-2004

“…In a Finnish study of patch-test reactions to cosmetic allergens, diazolidinyl urea was responsible for only 0.9% of allergic reactions in 6539 patients. 32 In contrast, we found that diazolidinyl urea represented 2.7% (both aqueous and petrolatum preparations) of reactions in females and 4.9% (aqueous) and 5.6% (petrolatum) of reactions in males to cosmetic products and was commonly implicated in the following sources: cosmetics NOS, moisturizers, and make-up formulations.…”

Patterns of Cosmetic Contact Allergy

“…It is often added to a variety of cosmetics including lip products (lipsticks, lip balms), moisturizers, powders, shaving creams, shampoos, and soaps, and it may be a source of allergy from cosmetic products. 105,106 Ointment bases for topical medicaments are another common source of lanolin exposure.…”

Comparison of Marketed Cosmetic Products Constituents with the Antigens Included in Cosmetic-related Patch Test

“…The vehicles, humectants, emollient, and emulsifier may also work as an antigen [29][30][31][32] . From the ingredients that are frequently used as the cosmetic product ingredient and may cause the ACD, the ingredients that are not included to the cosmetic series are petrolatum 30 , glycerin 33 , glycol (butylenes glycol, polyethylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol) 33,34 , lanolin 35 , castor oil 36,37 , propolis (bee-glue) 38,39 and others. Glycerin may rarely induce sensitization 33 .…”