Cosmetic-Induced Contact Allergy

In a large retrospective study involving patients with suspected cosmetic intolerance, fragrances were the most common allergens.

Cosmetics and personal-care products are frequently suspected to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Large studies in Germany and Denmark suggest that the incidence of cosmetic- induced contact allergy in the general population is 0.1% to 0.2%. To examine this issue further, researchers analyzed data for 2006 through 2011 from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK; a cosmetics/fragrance industry–sponsored group in Europe that studies the epidemiology of contact allergy).

“Cosmetics, creams, sunscreens” was the only suspected allergen category in 10,124 of 69,487 patch-tested patients (15%), 70% of whom were women. Of the women, 25% were aged 21 to 40, 54% were aged 41 to 70, and 25% had a history of atopic dermatitis. Th…

Reviewing Author

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

Cosmetic-Induced Contact Allergy

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Reviewing Author