Common Fragrance Ingredient is a Potent Allergen

A thesis presented at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden suggests that linalool, a common fragrance ingredient in personal care products and household products, instigates allergic skin reactions in considerably more people than was previously thought to be the case.

Linalool is a colourless fragrant terpene found in various plants e.g. lavender, rosewood. It is also synthetically manufactured to cut costs and used in household and hygiene products as a fragrance chemical. The concentrations used in cosmetics are fairly low but in aromatherapy products, natural products and in homemade soaps and fragrances, higher Read more

Europe Bans Two Chemicals From Cosmetics

The European Union has prohibited two chemicals from being used in cosmetic products, in a recent amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive. From November 5, 2009 companies are barred from using diethylene glycol (DEG) or phytonadione. This action has been taken following the discovery of high levels of DEG in some toothpaste products from other markets. Although a representative of the industry trade association, the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association (CTPA) suggested that reputable brands do not use DEG, trace levels are often present as an impurity in widely used ingredients such as glycerol.

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Essential Oils: A Human Health Hazard?

Recent research conducted by Lina Hagvall from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden has indicated that essential oils may become allergenic on contact with oxygen in the air. This may potentially cause contact allergies in sensitive individuals, even if the pure form of the oil doesn’t present a problem. Lavender oxidises to form hydroperoxides which are very potent allergens and geraniol oil reacts with the skin enzymes as well as the oxygen in the air, forming in both instances, the allergen and irritant geranial.

Many of those who are avoiding conventional cosmetic products are turning Read more