title: Allergic contact sensitization potential of hydroxycitronellal in humans.
abstract: Hydroxycitronellal, an important ingredient in fragrances, was studied for its sensitizing potential in human skin. Fifteen human maximization tests were conducted with hydroxycitronellal obtained from four different sources at induction concentrations from 5 to 12%. No reactions were induced at 5% in two separate panels while 10% sensitized 2/25 panelists in one test but none in a second. Induction at 12% produced sensitization in 8 of 11 tests. Impurities do not appear to be a sensitizing factor. There is some evidence that the l-stereoisomer is a less potent sensitizer than the d-stereoisomer. In an initial modified human repeat-insult patch-test two positive reactions to challenge were observed among 197 panelists, one at a concentration of 5% and the other at 7.5%. When 100 of the non-reacting panelists were re-exposed in the same way, allergic sensitization reactions appeared during the induction period with concentrations as low as 2.5%. When 28 sensitized panelists were exposed to 1% concentrations in a simulated use test, there were three reactors. A no-effect level for sensitization has not been determined although the lowest concentrations tested were in the product usage range.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Api
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Suskind
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D013729:Terpenes; C020755:hydroxycitronellal