Case of allergic contact dermatitis due to 1,3-butylene glycol

J Dermatol. 2014 Sep;41(9):815-6. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12603.

Abstract

1,3-Butylene glycol (1,3-BG) is widely used in cosmetics, including low-irritant skin care products and topical medicaments, as an excellent and low-irritation humectant. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by 1,3-BG. A 28-year-old woman suffered from an itchy erythematous eruption on her face. By 2 days of closed patch testing, her own cosmetics and many of the hypo-irritant skin care products showed positive results. A second patch testing showed positive reaction to 1,3-BG (1% and 5%). 1,3-BG was a common component in most of the products that had elicited a positive reaction in the first patch testing. Although allergic contact dermatitis due to 1,3-BG is not so common, we have to consider 1,3-BG as a possible contact allergen in the patients presenting with allergic contact dermatitis due to various cosmetics.

Keywords: 1,3-butylene glycol; allergic contact dermatitis; cosmetics; hypo-irritant skin care products; patch testing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Butylene Glycols / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans

Substances

  • Butylene Glycols
  • 1,3-butylene glycol