Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Skin sensitization to cinnamic alcohol: the role of skin metabolism
1Unilever Environmental Safety Laboratory, Bedford, England.
Abstract:
Cinnamic alcohol and cinnamic aldehyde are a cause of allergic contact dermatitis in man and give rise to similar rates of positive reactions in routine patch testing. However, data from animal models indicates that the aldehyde is the stronger sensitizer of the two. Circumstantial evidence has pointed to the conversion of alcohol to aldehyde in skin as the cause of cinnamic alcohol sensitization. This report discusses the subject in the light of studies of skin metabolism of cinnamic alcohol. Evidence of limited cross reactivity between cinnamic alcohol and cinnamic aldehyde is supported by data showing conversion of cinnamic alcohol to cinnamic aldehyde by an epidermal enzyme.
Related Concept Videos
Sensory Functions of the Skin
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Phase I Reactions: Oxidation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Carbon-Containing Systems
Oxidation reactions are fundamental in aromatic carbon-containing systems. An example is the hydroxylation of phenobarbital, a process that transforms it into...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

