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Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products marketed for children in Denmark
Sofia Botvid1,2, Anne Birgitte Simonsen1,2, Claus Jørgensen3
1The National Allergy Research Centre (Videncenter for Allergi), Department of Allergy, Dermatology and Venerology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
Insights
Many cosmetic products marketed to children contain fragrance allergens, posing a risk for allergic contact dermatitis. Fragrance Mix I and II allergens are common, highlighting the continued relevance of patch testing in pediatric dermatology.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Fragrances are prevalent contact allergens in children.
- Cosmetic products represent the primary source of dermal exposure to these allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products intended for children in Denmark.
- To analyze the types and frequency of fragrance allergens within this product category.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a non-profit smartphone application registry (December 2015 - November 2022).
- Analyzed 1179 unique cosmetic products marketed towards children.
- Identified and quantified declared fragrance ingredients and specific fragrance mix allergens.
Main Results:
- Over half (53.8%) of the analyzed products were fragranced.
- Facial care products, particularly lip balms, showed the highest fragrance frequency (93.0%).
- Fragrance Mix I (FMI) or II (FMII) allergens were present in 25.3% of products, with limonene and linalool being most common.
Conclusions:
- Children face significant exposure to diverse fragrance allergens via scented cosmetics.
- FMI and FMII allergens are widely incorporated into children's cosmetic products.
- Patch testing for FMI and FMII remains a crucial diagnostic tool for children with suspected fragrance allergies.
Background:
Fragrances are among the most common contact allergens in children. Cosmetic products are the most frequent source of skin exposure.
Objective:
To investigate exposure to fragrance allergens among Danish children, based on a sample of 1179 cosmetic products marketed for children.
Methods:
Information regarding cosmetic products marketed to children was obtained using a non-profit smartphone application registry, with data from December 2015 to November 2022.
Results:
The number of validated products was 26 537, of which 1349 marketed for children. After elimination of duplicates, 1179 (4.4%) individual products remained. The majority 53.8% (634/1179) of the products were fragranced. The highest frequency of declared fragrances was found in 'Facial care'-products: 93.0% (80/86), of which 97.7% were lip balms. The highest number of labelled fragrances in one single product (n = 16) was found in a baby perfume. Fragrance mix I (FMI) or II (FMII) allergens were found in 25.3% (298/1179) of the products. Limonene and linalool were the two most frequently labelled fragrance allergens.
Conclusion:
Children can be exposed to a vast number of fragrance allergens from scented cosmetic products. Allergens from FM I and FMII are widely used in cosmetic products marketed to children. Patch testing with FMI and FMII remains relevant in children.
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