COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamidopropyl betaine was the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2004. It is a common ingredient in cleansers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair coloring and styling products, toothpastes, mouth washes, and other cosmetics. A mistake that tends to be made is thinking that it is the “coco” (the coconut origin) […]
ACRYLATES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Acrylates Named 2012’s Contact Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, acrylates are interesting because, a little like clay and ceramics, they are strong irritants and allergens when wet (or in their powder or paste form) but tend to be fine when hardened. Polymerization is the process that causes acrylates to […]
PROPOLIS/BEESWAX: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Beeswax Beeswax by any other name is still beeswax … and a top contact allergen. Beeswax is in propolis (a top contact allergen itself), Cera flava (the wax produced from a honeycomb that is yellow in color) and Cera alba (the same wax but bleached). Beeswax is a popular moisturizing ingredient and thickener in […]
TURPENTINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Turpentine This pine-derived solvent is a mainstay for painters and hobbyists, and can be found in some cold remedies and liniments. While some reports consider turpentine more of a skin irritant than an actual contact allergen, cases of allergic contact dermatitis to it have been reported, it is a known cause of occupational contact […]
RUBBER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Rubber This top contact allergen is known to cause rashes, peeling, itching but also hyper- and hypo-pigmentations. Complicating things somewhat is that reactions to rubber can be due to the natural latex sap of the rubber tree or an allergy to the different chemicals used in the manufacturing of rubber such as: Thiuram Pigments […]
FEMININE HYGIENE, SANITARY (PERIOD) PADS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Sanitary (Period) Pads People have different preferences when it comes to period care but sanitary napkins can be a bit of a minefield for those with sensitive skin because most have several top contact allergens. A common cause of contact dermatitis of the vulva (vulvitis) or buttocks is fragrance — especially because of the […]
BASIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … yet Basil There are some case studies of reactions to basil oil, and it is not currently listed in published lists of top common allergens. However, this heavenly herb is, along with mint and lavender, part of the Labiatae (Lamiaceae) family of top contact allergens. We therefore suggest to use it […]
STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … maybe Stainless Steel Water Bottle Nickel has been the number one contact allergen for years, was the 2008 Allergen of the Year of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, and is everywhere. When we say that a stainless steel water bottle is probably not a contact allergen, we assume that it is a pretty plain, […]
COLORED TABLETS, PILLS, CAPSULES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Colored Tablets, Pills Capsules Many dyes and some colorants are on published lists of top contact allergens. Some foods and supplements use flavors for taste and coloring, and many flavors are allergens themselves or related to fragrance. If you’ve patch tested positive to dyes, colorants, flavors or fragrance, look for your medication in tablets, […]