Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children

Abstract

Background: The application of preparations containing food allergens can cause percutaneous sensitization and provocation. The prevalence of food allergens in children's cosmetics is unknown.

Objectives: To analyse the prevalence of food allergens in skincare products marketed for children and their association with marketing claims and product price.

Methods: We reviewed 276 skincare product ingredient labels for the presence of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.

Results: More than one-third (108; 39.1%) of the products listed at least one allergen. A total of 156 allergens were recorded, of which 65 (41.7%) were almonds, 35 (22.4%) wheat, 24 (15.4%) soy, 16 (10.3%) oats, 13 (8.3%) sesame, 2 (1.3%) milk, and 1 (0.6%) peanuts. Products that claimed to be "natural" or "ecological" were more likely to contain food allergens than those not labelled so (P < .001). The prices were higher for products containing food allergens compared with allergen-free products (P = .028).

Conclusions: Food allergens are prevalent in children's cosmetics, especially those that claim to be natural or ecological. The most incorporated food allergens are almonds, wheat, and soy. Products containing food allergens cost more than allergen-free ones.

Keywords: children; cosmetics; food allergens; food sensitization; skincare.