LANOLIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Lanolin, a fatty substance from sheep’s wool, is actually an alcohol….but that’s not why it is an allergen (“alcohol” per se isn’t an allergen…click here to learn more). Far from being drying, lanolin is a common base in ointments, can be soothing and is frequently used effectively for moist wound healing…but it is lanolin a common allergen. Again, […]

TEA TREE OIL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergen. This ingredient has some wonderful properties, but it is on the published lists of most common allergens. Still, that doesn’t mean you’re allergic to it. To be sure, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. You never know, you might be sensitive to many other ingredients but not tea tree oil! References:  Regularly published reports on […]

NICKEL (the metal): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Not just an allergen or a top allergen…nickel is frequently the number one most 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, cosmetic […]

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: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

 Allergen. They are common allergens but — being so packed with wonderful vitamins and antioxidants— lemon, lime and other citruses should not be avoided, particularly as foods, unless you are truly allergic to them. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. For food allergies, ask your doctor for a prick test. […]

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 […]