Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
12:43
Electroantennographic Bioassay as a Screening Tool for Host Plant Volatiles
Published on: May 6, 2012
Positive rates to propyl gallate on patch testing: a change in trend
A Perez1, D A Basketter, I R White
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, London SE1 7EH, UK. a.perez49@btinternet.com
Contact Dermatitis
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Allergic contact dermatitis to propyl gallate (E310) is increasing, particularly in women. This rise may be linked to increased cosmetic use and decreased food consumption, reducing oral tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Propyl gallate (E310), an antioxidant, has high sensitizing potential but historically low rates of allergic contact dermatitis.
- Previous oral exposure and induced tolerance may have contributed to low past rates of allergic reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis to propyl gallate from 1988 to 2005.
- To identify trends and potential contributing factors for changes in propyl gallate allergy.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing of 9529 patients (6973 female, 2556 male) using 1% propyl gallate in petrolatum.
- Patch test reactions were read at 2 and 4 days and scored using International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria.
Main Results:
- A total of 55 patients (0.57%) showed positive reactions to propyl gallate.
- Positive rates increased significantly from 0.45% (1988-1996) to 0.77% (1997-2005).
- Women had higher positivity rates (0.65%) than men (0.33%).
Conclusions:
- A statistically significant increase in propyl gallate allergy was observed over the study period.
- Increased use in cosmetics and reduced food consumption (limiting oral tolerance) are potential factors for this trend.
