NICKEL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Nickel Not just an allergen or a top allergen, nickel is frequently the number one common allergen on published allergen lists, and was the 2008 Allergen of the Year of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Watch for it in coins; chromed faucets, handles or armrests; certain eyeglass frames or parts, mobile phones or their cases, laptops and other electronics, […]

RUBBER IN GOGGLES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergen. Rubber is one of the top allergens and can also cause problems in rubberized plastics. Rubber can cause rashes, peeling, itching but also hyper- and hypopigmentations. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References:  Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European […]

LEMON, LIME, CITRUSES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergen. They are common allergens themselves and, like limonene and linalool, a source of allergens (both limonene and linalool can be extracted from citruses). If you’ve patch tested positive to these wonderful fruits, watch for oranges as well as other components of fragrance mix. Being so packed with wonderful vitamins and antioxidants, lemon, lime and other […]

ZINC OXIDE/TITANIUM DIOXIDE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Not An Allergen. Excellent sunscreens, neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide are on published allergen lists. Also called “mineral,” “physical” or “inorganic” sunscreen actives, both are also frequently recommended as safer alternatives for people sensitive to organic (chemical) sunscreens. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References:  Regularly published […]

AMIDO-AMINE SURFACTANTS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergens Sulfates are much maligned and while some are harsh, quite a few like SLS (Soduim Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) are not published allergens. While some irritant (not allergic) reactions have been reported with SLS, there are far fewer with SLES and, in both cases, irritations seem to […]

EUCALYPTUS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergen.  Eucalyptus is an allergen, even when completely natural, fresh and organic. If you’re not allergic, it’s wonderful. To be sure, and if you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References:  Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (based on […]

GLASS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Not An Allergen. Glass is inert, very chemically stable, and does not react with other substances or absorb them…making glass a great option as a packaging material for formulations with active ingredients (the formulation stays stable and does not leech into the packaging) and for those with skin sensitivities. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask […]

BAKING SODA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Not An Allergen.  Baking soda is another classic favorite of many dermatologists for its versatility and non-allergenicity. It’s a great option, for example, for household cleaning products (alone or with vinegar). If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References:  Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North […]

TURMERIC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Not An Allergen. Maybe.  Turmeric — in its natural and organic state, not processed with allergens or processed into a flavor extract — is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant…and is not a common allergen.  Or at least, it hasn’t yet made it onto the published common allergen lists. That said, there have been a small number […]