Isoeugenol is an important contact allergen: can it be safely replaced with isoeugenyl acetate?
The prevalence of contact allergy to the fragrance mix in individuals with eczema is up to 10%. Within the mix, isoeugenol (CAS 97-54-1) is an important individual allergen. Until May 1998, the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines suggested that isoeugenol could safely be used at a level of 0.2% in consumer products. In May 1998, IFRA recommended that isoeugenol should not be used at a level that exceeds 0.02% in consumer products, but did not provide guidance on allergen substitution. An alternative to isoeugenol, based on aroma and absence of guidelines on use, is isoeugenyl acetate (CAS 93-29-8). 155 consecutive subjects were patch tested to isoeugenyl acetate (1.2%, 0.4%, 0.13% eth.) and isoeugenol 1% pet. 6 (3.9%) had an allergic reaction to 1.2% isoeugenyl acetate at D4. The reactions to the other 2 dilutions tended to be graded. 8 individuals had at least a palpable erythema by D4 to isoeugenol 1% pet. The majority of individuals allergic to isoeugenol were also intolerant of isoeugenyl acetate. Effective labelling of fragrance substances on consumer products will facilitate monitoring of exposure.
White
I R
IR
St. John's Institute of Dermatology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK.
Johansen
J D
JD
Arnau
E G
EG
Lepoittevin
J P
JP
Rastogi
S
S
Bruze
M
M
Andersen
K E
KE
Frosch
P J
PJ
Goossens
A
A
Menné
T
T
D000485:Allergens; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005054:Eugenol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry
D000485:Allergens; D010476:Perfume; D005054:Eugenol; C036643:isoeugenol; C400781:2-methoxy-4-prop-1-enylphenyl acetate