Are You Allergic To Cosmetics?

By Roberta F. Palestine, MD
Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center
Your Health Magazine – April 2001
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Cosmetic products may be the cause of a skin allergy, such as allergic contact dermatitis. Facial rashes, in particular, are a frequent sign of allergic contact dermatitis. Signs of contact dermatitis may also include skin sensitivity, redness, and itching. Other areas commonly affected include the neck, ears and eyelids. In fact, eyelid dermatitis may represent the only evidence of allergy because the eyelid skin is thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the face.

Frequent allergens, which cause allergic contact dermatitis, include fragrances and preservatives. Fragrances are thought to be the second most common allergen, following nickel, in the entire spectrum of patch testing (discussed below). Fragrance is a common ingredient in most cosmetic products. Many skin-care products labeled as “unscented” or “fragrance-free” have masking fragrances, which may also cause an allergic reaction.

Preservatives are used in cosmetics to increase the shelf-life of the products. They prevent the growth of contaminates such as bacteria or fungus. While these chemicals have a valuable role in cosmetics, they can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are the most common culprits in this group of allergens. Skin reactions may be due to either the release of formaldehyde or the actual preservative itself.

Other cosmetic products, which are not directly applied to the face, can cause facial dermatitis. This group of products includes nail polish, hair dye, perm solutions, and jewelry containing gold or nickel. Both nail polish and metals in jewelry are frequently related to eyelid dermatitis. Hair products may cause rashes around the hairline, neck and upper back.

Dermatologists test for allergic contact dermatitis by patch testing their patients. Patch testing is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing involves the placement of allergens on the skin using special aluminum disks and tape. The allergens are left in place for 48 hours. The sites are then evaluated by the dermatologist at 48 hours and again at 96 hours after the initial placement. At the final visit, the patient is educated about his or her allergies.

What are the benefits of patch testing? EDUCATION.

1. Learn how to avoid allergens,
2. Learn which chemicals may crossreact with allergens,
3. How to choose “safe” skin-care products,
4. Hopefully prevent recurrences of skin symptoms.