Contact dermatitis to yellow iron oxide

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science
• Allergology

Background:

• Contact dermatitis is a common skin reaction.
• Cosmetic ingredients are frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis.
• Yellow iron oxide is a widely used cosmetic dye, also known as limonite or yellow ochre.

Observation:

• A 43-year-old non-atopic female presented with eyelid dermatitis.
• Epicutaneous patch testing was performed.
• The patient was found to be allergic to yellow iron oxide in her mascara.

Findings:

• Yellow iron oxide, a common cosmetic dye, has not been previously reported as a cause of contact dermatitis.
• This case identifies yellow iron oxide as a novel allergen responsible for eyelid dermatitis.
• The study discusses mascara formulation and the classification of natural iron oxides.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider yellow iron oxide as a potential allergen in patients with eyelid dermatitis and cosmetic use.
• Cosmetic manufacturers should be aware of the allergenic potential of yellow iron oxide.
• Further research into the allergenic properties of iron oxides in cosmetics is warranted.