Preservatives and Fragrances in S…etics and Detergents

🔬 Peer-reviewed
Preservatives and Fragrances in Selected Consumer-Available Cosmetics and Detergents
Yazar K, Johnsson S, Lind ML, Boman A, Lidén C
Contact Dermatitis · 2011
Findings

Known contact allergens (methylisothiazolinone, fragrance mix, formaldehyde releasers) found in a high proportion of consumer cosmetics on the Swedish market

Design
Cohort
Sample
n=516
Evidence
Moderate
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
Methodology

This study surveyed 516 cosmetic and household products on the Swedish market for the presence of preservatives and fragrance ingredients known to cause contact allergy. The authors found that known sensitizers including methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), formaldehyde releasers, and fragrance allergens were present in a high proportion of products, including those marketed to sensitive skin. The study contributed to the EU's subsequent restriction of MI in leave-on cosmetics and to broader consumer awareness of allergens in personal care products.

Funded By

Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare

🧂Conflict of interest.