Vitamin E and allergic contact dermatitis.
Reports of vitamin E-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and frequent use of vitamin-E derivatives (tocopherol, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopherol acetate, etc) in skin care products deserves further investigation into tolerability and suitability of vitamin E in skin care preparations. A PubMed search was conducted to review the prevalence of vitamin E-induced ACD. It revealed 931 cases of vitamin E-induced ACD mainly from one large study. There were no reported deaths and only three patients required hospitalization for treatment. It appears that vitamin E-induced ACD is an uncommon phenomenon; incidence is low despite its widespread use in skin care products. Given its antioxidant and photoprotective properties, vitamin E should remain an ingredient in skin care products.
Kosari
Payman
P
Center for Dermatology Research, Departments of Dermatology, Pathology, and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.
Alikhan
Ali
A
Sockolov
Mary
M
Feldman
Steven R
SR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D003358:Cosmetics; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014810:Vitamin E