Allergenic Ingredients in Facial Wet Wipes.
BACKGROUND
Allergic contact dermatitis commonly occurs on the face. Facial cleansing wipes may be an underrecognized source of allergens.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of potentially allergenic ingredients in facial wet wipes.


METHODS
Ingredient lists from name brand and generic facial wipes from 4 large retailers were analyzed.


RESULTS
In the 178 facial wipes examined, a total of 485 ingredients were identified (average, 16.7 ingredients per wipe). Excluding botanicals, the top 15 potentially allergenic ingredients were glycerin (64.0%), fragrance (63.5%), phenoxyethanol (53.9%), citric acid (51.1%), disodium EDTA (44.4%), sorbic acid derivatives (39.3%), tocopherol derivatives (38.8%), polyethylene glycol derivatives (32.6%), glyceryl stearate (31.5%), sodium citrate (29.8%), glucosides (27.5%), cetearyl alcohol (25.8%), propylene glycol (25.3%), sodium benzoate (24.2%), and ceteareth-20 (23.6%)/parabens (23.6%). Of note, methylisothiazolinone (2.2%) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (1.1%) were uncommon. The top potential allergens of botanical origin included Aloe barbadensis (41.0%), chamomile extracts (27.0%), tea extracts (21.3%), Cucumis sativus (20.2%), and Hamamelis virginiana (10.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
Many potential allergens are present in facial wet wipes, including fragrances, preservatives, botanicals, glucosides, and propylene glycol.
From the *University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis; †Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MN; ‡HCMC Parkside Occupational and Contact Dermatitis Clinic; and §Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Kelly A
KA
Aschenbeck
Erin M
EM
Warshaw
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005960:Glucosides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D010226:Parabens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D019946:Propylene Glycol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis
D000485:Allergens; D003358:Cosmetics; D005960:Glucosides; D010226:Parabens; D010476:Perfume; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D019946:Propylene Glycol