Gallate Contact Dermatitis: Product Update and Systematic Review.
Allergic contact dermatitis related to cosmetic use can result from allergens not routinely evaluated by standard patch test protocols. Propyl, octyl, and dodecyl gallates are commonly used antioxidant preservatives with reports of associated allergic contact dermatitis in the literature. The objectives of this review were to investigate the role of gallates in allergic contact dermatitis and to explore products containing these preservatives. A systematic review of the literature through April 2016 was performed to explore cases of reported gallate allergy. Food and cosmetic product databases were searched for products containing gallates. Seventy-four cases of gallate contact allergy have been reported. In addition, a variety of commercially available cosmetic products and foods contain gallate chemicals. Propyl gallate is the most commonly reported gallate contact allergen and often causes facial and/or hand dermatitis.
From the *Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University; †Duke University Medical Center Library; and ‡Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
Zachary E
ZE
Holcomb
Megan G
MG
Van Noord
Amber Reck
AR
Atwater
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005707:Gallic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011435:Propyl Gallate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000975:Antioxidants; D003358:Cosmetics; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D005707:Gallic Acid; D011435:Propyl Gallate