Cosmetics, makeup and personal care products are not well regulated; thus, terms like "hypoallergenic," "unscented" and "natural" can mean little to nothing. Allergic reactions to cosmetics can therefore arise, ranging from skin rashes and swelling to photosensitivity and respiratory symptoms. In rare cases, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing or anaphylactic shock can arise, reports Auckland Allergy Clinic.
Fragrance
The most common allergen in makeup and toiletries is fragrance. Manufacturers use a variety of the 5,000 different scents available to them, reports Auckland Allergy Clinic. "Unscented" does not mean your makeup is free of fragrance. The most common culprits of fragrance allergy are cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, isoeugenol, oakmoss, geraniol and hydroxycitronella, reports Allergy & Asthma Associates of Connecticut. Balsam of Peru commonly causes allergic reactions.
Preservatives
Preservatives constitute the second most common allergy in makeup and other personal care products. These preservatives are intended to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. Common culprits in this category are parabens, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol and DMD hydantoin. Other preservatives trigger the release of formaldehyde are Quatemium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, Bronopol and Tris-Nitro, reports the Allergy & Asthma Associates of Connecticut. Any product made with water also contains preservatives.
PPD
Allergies to dyes are the third most common allergen. Paraphenylenediamine, PPD, is the chief allergen in hair dyes, but allergic reactions can also occur with para-toulene diamine or toluene diamine sulfate, reports the Allergy & Asthma Associates of Connecticut. Hair dyes can cause reactions in the skin of the eyelids, face, hands and scalp.
Lanolin or Wool Alcohols
Lanolin or wool alcohols are derived from sheep. Lanolin is the fourth most common allergen in personal care products, reports Auckland Allergy Clinic. Lanolin use is widespread, present in moisturizers, sunscreens, lipsticks, eye makeup, foundation and baby oil.
Botanicals
Just about every herbal product has caused allergic reactions, reports Auckland Allergy Clinic. Plants from the Compositae family are especially allergenic, including chamomile and daisies, feverfew and marigolds. Tea tree oil is another contributor to allergic reactions as is propolis, henna, citron, fennel and wild carrot, among many others. "Natural" or "herbal" does not mean nonallergenic.
CAPB
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, CAPB, is a cosmetic allergy on the rise. It is a surfactant used in rinse-off products such as bath gels, shampoos and soaps, reports Auckland Allergy Clinic. Although it was once thought to be less irritating than other shampoos and soaps, this ingredient has led to an increasing number of allergic reactions.
References
- Auckland Allergy Clinic: Reactions to Cosmetics; Vincent St. Aubyn Crump, MD; August, 2004
- Allergy/Asthma Information Association: Cosmetic Allergies --- Is Soap Really Good for You? Marthe Lefebvre; 2008
- Allergy & Asthma Associates of Connecticut: Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Common Allergens; Michael S. King, MD; 2011
