CITRONELLA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?Featured
Allergen.
Citronella
Fragrance was the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS)’s Contact Allergen of the Year for 2007, and fragrance mix (which contains geraniol, which is in citronella oil) is a standard addition in patch test trays because it is such a common contact allergen. Often used as an a natural mosquito repellent option, citronella itself (a cousin of lemongrass) is listed in the latest lists of common allergens, cross reacts with geranium, and studies consistently show that it is not as effective as DEET.
If you have a history of sensitive skin, don’t guess: random trial and error can cause more damage. Ask your dermatologist about a patch test.
For more:
On the prevalence of skin allergies, see Skin Allergies Are More Common Than Ever and One In Four Is Allergic to Common Skin Care And Cosmetic Ingredients.
To learn more about the VH-Rating System and hypoallergenicity, click here.
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 over 28,000 patch test results, combined), plus other studies. Remember, we are all individuals — just because an ingredient is not on the most common allergen lists does not mean you cannot be sensitive to it, or that it will not become an allergen. These references, being based on so many patch test results, are a good basis but it is always best to get a patch test yourself.
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