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Isoeugenol: a survey of consumer patch-test sensitization
Summary
Isoeugenol, a common fragrance ingredient, shows a very low potential for causing allergic skin reactions in humans. Extensive patch testing indicates hypersensitivity is rare, especially at lower concentrations found in consumer products.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Isoeugenol is a widely used fragrance and flavor ingredient.
- Assessing its potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis is crucial for consumer safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of isoeugenol to induce delayed contact hypersensitivity.
- To assess its ability to elicit pre-existing sensitization reactions in humans.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 6512 patch test results from dermatitic and non-dermatitic subjects.
- Data collected from fragrance and formulator companies, including tests on isoeugenol alone and in various products.
- Evaluation of concentration-dependent hypersensitivity reactions.
Main Results:
- Hypersensitivity reactions were concentration-dependent, primarily occurring at isoeugenol concentrations >= 0.8%.
- No induced reactions were observed in 1004 patch tests at concentrations between 0.03% and 0.5%.
- Isolated reactions at lower concentrations (0.02% and 0.04%) were rare and sometimes attributed to isoeugenol-eugenol mixtures.
Conclusions:
- Isoeugenol demonstrates a very low potential for inducing hypersensitivity or eliciting sensitization reactions.
- The risk of allergic reactions from consumer products containing isoeugenol is minimal, particularly at typical usage concentrations.