Euxyl K 400: a new sensitizer in cosmetics.
Euxyl K 400 is a preservative for cosmetics and toiletries containing 2 active ingredients, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutan and 2-phenoxyethanol. 2057 consecutive patients with contact dermatitis were patch tested with Euxyl K 400 2.5% pet. and ethanol. A positive patch test occurred in 24 patients (1.2%). The source of sensitization was traced in 8 patients to their cosmetics. Both leave-on and rinse-off products were responsible. Further patch tests with Euxyl K 400 0.5% pet. and phenoxyethanol 5% pet. were performed in 11 patients. A positive patch test to phenoxyethanol was detected in 1 of them. Only 3 patients showed a mild reaction to Euxyl K 400 0.5%. A provocative use test with a lotion preserved with Euxyl K 400 0.1% was positive in 5 of these 11 patients. Patients with Euxyl K 400 sensitivity showed a high prevalence of positive patch tests to other common ingredients of cosmetics. Since the use of Euxyl K 400 in cosmetic products is rapidly increasing, it should be included in the patch test series for patients with suspected cosmetic allergy.
Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Tosti
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Guerra
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Bardazzi
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Gasparri
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009570:Nitriles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003358:Cosmetics; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D009570:Nitriles; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; C005398:phenoxyethanol; C039411:1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane