PROPYLENE GLYCOL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Propylene Glycol Propylene glycol is the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s Allergen of the Year for 2018. It causes contact dermatitis and also systemic contact dermatitis, meaning if you have a skin allergy to propylene glycol, it may also cause a reaction if you inhale it or are exposed to it orally, in an injection, or through the […]
ARGAN OIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Argan Oil There are published case studies of allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil but it is not yet on published lists of common allergens. This means that you should be able to enjoy this emollient. It may not have the clinical studies that virgin coconut oil does (check out this post comparing […]
SALICYLIC ACID: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Salicylic Acid This popular, well-studied keratolytic and micro-exfoliant is the only BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid) used in skin, and it is a staple, from acne to various scaly skin conditions. In acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, it works by deep-cleaning the follicles’ inner walls to prevent clogging. It also softens keratin, loosening scaly skin, […]
JOJOBA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Jojoba Jojoba oil and wax are popular ingredients from the seeds of the Jojoba shrub. Jojoba is lauded as an emollient that can soothe skin, clear pores, and unclog hair follicles, and is not on published lists of common contact allergens. As with all ingredients, however, keep in mind that allergens can be hidden in […]
LATEX: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Latex Not listed as “latex” on published lists of common contact allergens, latex is actually the milky sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Latex makes up the large majority of natural rubber, and rubber is an allergen. Exposure can be from contact with the skin, but also intravenously, through inhalation (from latex in […]
DYES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen…and Photo-Allergen! Dyes While some are safer than others, dyes are definitely on the published lists of most common contact allergens. These include disperse blue dyes (used in a variety of textiles and clothing), which were chosen as the very first Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2000, and paraphenylenediamine or PPD (found in hair dye, cosmetics, […]
ARNICA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Arnica One of the oldest drug plants and still a favorite natural remedy for aches, pain, swelling, sore muscles and arthritis, arnica is a top contact allergen. The actual herb is toxic to the liver and can be fatal when eaten (the FDA classifies pure arnica as an unsafe herb), but homeopathic oral supplements […]
MUSCLE BALMS & SPRAYS, CAMPHOR: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Muscle Balms & Sprays “Muscle balm” or “spray” is not, as such, an allergen. And there are loads of topical pain relieving muscle preparations, each with its own unique formulation. However, most contain menthol, mint, clove, camphor, cinnamon, and/or arnica, which give the balms their yummy, soothing hot-cold tingling or numbing, but which are all published common allergens. Others pile […]
KINETIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Kinetin Not on published allergen lists and a cytokinin, a naturally-occurring compound that exists in the DNA of cells of various organisms (including humans and many plants). In plants, it is known to prolong plant life, promote cell division, prevent green plant leaves from turning brown and stimulate plants to grow. Present in […]