FS14.1 Safety of various fragrances: allergy and phototoxicity, joint study in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to know the prevalence of allergic patch test responses in patients with suspected fragrance allergy in Korea and to know the photoxic potentials of limited fragrance substances. Nine dermatology departments of university hospitals and one research institute of cosmetic company were participated in this study for the past 1 year. To inquire the specific fragrance allergens in Korea, eighteen fragrance ingredients were added to Korean standard series and fragrance series (Chemotechnique Diagnosis, Sweden). Among 422 patients, 83% were women and the most common topographic site was face. Except the fragrance mix and Balsam of Peru, Cinnamic alcohol and Sandalwood oil showed high frequency of positive responses. Among the added specific fragrance ingredients, 3‐methyl‐5‐(2,2,3‐trimethyl‐3‐cyclopenen‐1‐yl) pent‐4‐en‐2‐ol, alpha‐isomethyl‐ionone(methyl ionone gamma), Lyral showed high positive responses. With eighteen added specific fragrance substances, we have also performed two in vitro phototoxicity tests, 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test and photohemolysis test. 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test is a screening method for DNA or cellular damage and Photohemolysis test is a useful screening method for phototoxic chemicals that cause oxygen‐dependent membrane damage. Only Lyral showed phototoxicity in photohemolysis test and no other fragrance ubstances showed phototoxicity in 3T3 NRU phtototoxicity test. We think our data are useful to know the current status of the frequent fragrance allergens in our society and the possible phototoxic potency of limited fragrance substances.