Potential allergens in moisturizing creams

Abstract

Nowadays with the extensive use of cosmetics, allergic reactions are increasingly observed and a significant portion of them are due to moisturizers. Contact allergic reactions to cosmetics may be delayed-type reactions resulting in allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis and more exceptionally immediate-type reactions, i.e., contact urticaria. Fragrances and preservatives are the most important contact allergens, but reactions may also occur to emulsifiers and other vehicle components, humectants, conditioning agents, plant extracts, antioxidants, sunscreens, and in fact, to any possible cosmetic ingredient. Patch testing remains the golden standard for diagnosing delayed-type reactions, although additional skin tests might be useful as well. Prick tests are generally used to diagnose allergic contact urticaria.