Fragrances and other materials in deodorants: search for potentially sensitizing molecules using combined GC-MS and structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis

Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Dec;39(6):293-303. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1998.tb05944.x.

Abstract

Deodorants are one of the most frequently-used types of cosmetics and are a source of allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, a gas chromatography - mass spectrometric analysis of 71 deodorants was performed for identification of fragrance and non-fragrance materials present in marketed deodorants. Futhermore, the sensitizing potential of these molecules was evaluated using structure activity relationships (SARs) analysis. This was based on the presence of 1 or more chemically reactive site(s), in the chemical structure, associated with sensitizing potential. Among the many different substances used to formulate cosmetic products (over 3500), 226 chemicals were identified in a sample of 71 deodorants. 84 molecules were found to contain at least 1 structural alert, and 70 to belong to, or be susceptible to being metabolized into, the chemical group of aldehydes, ketones and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, ketone or esters. The combination of GC-MS and SARs analysis could be helpful in the selection of substances for supplementary investigations regarding sensitizing properties. Thus, it may be a valuable tool in the management of contact allergy to deodorants and for producing new deodorants with decreased propensity to cause contact allergy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols
  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Allergens / chemistry*
  • Deodorants / adverse effects
  • Deodorants / chemistry*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Perfume / adverse effects
  • Perfume / analysis*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Allergens
  • Deodorants
  • Perfume