Fragrances: Contact Allergy and Other Adverse Effects

Dermatitis. 2020 Jan/Feb;31(1):13-35. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000463.

Abstract

This article gives an overview of fragrance allergy. The following subjects are discussed: composition of perfumes, contact with fragrances, diagnosing fragrance allergy, frequency of allergy, clinical picture of allergic contact dermatitis, culprit products, occupational contact dermatitis, and other adverse effects of fragrances. For diagnosing fragrance sensitization, personal products and a fragrance series may need to be tested in addition to the baseline series. In the general adult population, up to 4.5% may be allergic to fragrance materials, and in consecutive patients patch tested for suspected contact dermatitis, the frequency may reach 20% to 25%. More than 150 fragrances have caused contact allergy. The most frequent sensitizers are linalool and limonene hydroperoxides, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, treemoss and oakmoss absolute, isoeugenol, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamal. Culprit products for induction of sensitization are often deodorants, fine fragrances, and aftershaves. Occupational contact dermatitis from fragrances is seen occasionally. Other adverse effects are all discussed but occur infrequently.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes / adverse effects
  • Aldehydes / adverse effects
  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Cosmetics
  • Cyclohexenes / adverse effects
  • Deodorants
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology
  • Eugenol / adverse effects
  • Eugenol / analogs & derivatives
  • Household Products
  • Humans
  • Limonene / adverse effects
  • Odorants*
  • Patch Tests
  • Perfume / adverse effects*
  • Propanols / adverse effects
  • Resins, Plant / adverse effects
  • Terpenes / adverse effects

Substances

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Aldehydes
  • Allergens
  • Cosmetics
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Deodorants
  • Perfume
  • Propanols
  • Resins, Plant
  • Terpenes
  • Eugenol
  • isoeugenol
  • oakmoss
  • Limonene
  • linalool
  • hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde
  • cinnamyl alcohol