TRIETHANOLAMINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Triethanolamine This pH adjuster (a combination of monoethanolamine and diethanolamine) does tend to be in patch test trays and has been known to occasionally elicit allergic reactions but not enough to make it to published lists of top contact allergens. As usual, be guided by your patch test results as your reaction […]
FEMININE WASH, WIPE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Feminine Washes and Wipes Vaginal washes, douches, and wipes tend to be marketed to imply that there is something wrong about a woman’s vulva and vagina (there isn’t). These products therefore usually contain ingredients meant to mask or “correct” the area’s natural, inherent odor (lots of fragrance) or perceived uncleanliness (antibacterial ingredients). Besides being […]
TOLUENE-2, 5-DIAMENE SULFATE (PTDS): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Toluene-2,5 Diamene Sulfate (PTDS) This hair dye is sometimes used as an alternative to highly allergenic dye (paraphenylenediamine or PPD) but is, itself, also a top contact allergen. It has the dubious honor of being named Allergen of the Year for 2025 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. It’s also a colorant in other […]
CORN OIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Corn Oil Both corn and corn oil are not published as a top contact allergens. Skin reactions are uncommon enough so that neither is a standard inclusion in patch test trays. Some brands use corn oil as an ingredient for dry or sensitive skin. But virgin coconut oil — due to many […]
SODIUM PHYTATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Sodium Phytate This skin-safe synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid is derived from rice and oat bran is not in published lists of top contact allergens. In skincare, it is used as an antioxidant, as a booster for other actives, a hydrator, and as a chelating agent. When using products […]
ACNE PATCH, PIMPLE STICKER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Acne Patch, Pimple Patch Also called hydrocolloid patches for pimples, the hydrocolloid part is actually pretty well tolerated. It’s the other materials of the patch that have some top contact allergens, many of which are similar concerns in bandages, medical tapes, dressings, transdermal patches and continuous glucose monitors. This does not mean you should […]
BEEF TALLOW: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but can cause reactions Beef Tallow Proteins tend to not be standard inclusions in patch test trays or published lists of top contact allergens but reactions when handling meat and other proteins, for those sensitive to them, can occur. Read more on possible allergic reactions to beef here. Beef tallow became trendy […]
GOLF: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Golf It’s certainly got its fans but make no mistake, golfing has many, many top contact allergens and other things that can cause skin problems. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t play it — just make sure to be guided by your patch test (and follow other best practices; see below). Some of […]
MOUTHWASH: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Mouthwash “Mouthwash” isn’t something you’d see on your patch test but many ingredients popular in lots of mouthwashes are top contact allergens, including: Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride which, while not a top contact allergen, can be highly irritating or toxic at specific concentrations and there are many ways it can negatively affect skin. […]