Phototoxic reaction to xanthene dyes induced by visible light

Many dyes, for instance methylene blue, rose bengal, and eosin, are known as photosensitizers, and in the presence of molecular oxygen they induce cell lethality and skin photosensitivity (1-4). Several dyes are used in cosmetic products, particularly in lipsticks. Human lip skin is therefore exposed to potential danger from dye-sensitized phototoxic reactions. Using an in vivo system of mammalian skin, such as the abdominal skin of rabbits, we established screening tests for the phototoxic potential of synthetic dyes in two ways: (a) intracutaneous injection; (b) topical application with and without damaging the barrier property of the stratum corneum. In the intracutaneous injection assay, distinct phototoxic reactions were induced by rose bengal, eosin Y.S., and dibromofluorescein. When these dyes were applied topically to intact skin, no phototoxic reactions were observed. Phototoxic reactions were, however, elicited when the dye solutions were applied to abraded or scratched skin. The intensity of phototoxic reaction was found to be influenced by the vehicle in which the dyes were suspended. Phototoxic reaction to the dyes was induced by artificial light as well as by sunlight. By using commercially available fluorescent lamps with different spectral emissions, the action spectra for the phototoxic reaction to these dyes were investigated and it was found that the maximum phototoxicities of the dyes were manifested by light within a spectral range of 400-600 nm. Further studies on action spectra, using a monochromatic irradiation system, revealed a high correlation between the action spectra of the dyes and their absorption spectra. Maximum effective wavelength for the phototoxic reaction of eosin Y.S. was 525 nm. This topical as well as intradermal assay for assesing phototoxic reaction to synthetic dyes in living skin will be a practical and useful measure for studying the phototoxicity of the dyes.