Contact Allergy to Hydroperoxides of Linalool and D-Limonene in a US Population

Dermatitis. 2017 Sep/Oct;28(5):313-316. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000318.

Abstract

Background: Linalool and D-limonene are common fragrance ingredients that readily oxidize on exposure to air. The resulting hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene have been shown to have high frequencies of positive patch test reactions in several European and international studies.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of contact allergy to the hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene in a US population.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 103 patients with suspected fragrance allergy were patch tested to linalool 10% petrolatum (pet), hydroperoxides of linalool 1% pet, D-limonene 10% pet, and/or the hydroperoxides of D-limonene 0.3% pet between July 9, 2014, and October 25, 2016.

Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of positive patch test reactions to the hydroperoxides of linalool is 20% (19/96), and the frequency of positive reactions to the hydroperoxides of D-limonene is 8% (7/90). These high frequencies suggest that patch testing to the hydroperoxides of linalool and limonene should be performed in all patients with suspected fragrance allergy.

MeSH terms

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cyclohexenes / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Limonene
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoterpenes / adverse effects*
  • Patch Tests
  • Peroxides / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Terpenes / adverse effects*
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Monoterpenes
  • Peroxides
  • Terpenes
  • Limonene
  • linalool