J. Tada, Y. Toi, J. Arata
Oct 1, 1994
Citations
0
Influential Citations
14
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
Abstract
Discussion There are few reports of sensitization to oleyl alcohol. Oleyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol widely used in cosmetics as emollient and emulsifier. Occasionally it can also be present in medicament bases, since it is frequently contained as an impurity in other commercial alcohols (stearyl and cetyl alcohols). 3 women with lipstick dermatitis due to oleyl alcohol were described in 1960 (l). All reacted to highly purified oleyl alcohol (100%) present in cosmetic bases. I patient also reacted to oleyl alcohol 5% in liquid paraffin. Another patient (2) was suggested to be reacting to impurities in commercial stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol being indicated as one of the most probable allergens. Sensitization to oleyl alcohol is rare and patients frequently show cross-reaction between stearyl and oleyl alcohol (3). A case of contact dermatitis due to impurities in stearyl and cetyl alcohols has recently been reported (4). Recently, 3 cases of cosmetic allergy caused by miristyl alcohol have been described (5). Emulsifiers, at the concentrations commonly used in topical preparations, are perceived as rare sensitizers and for this reason, not routinely tested (6). Allergic reactions to emulsifying agents may, however, be more frequent than reported. Patients with emulsifier sensitivity frequently have positive patch tests to other constituents of Contact Dermatitis 1994: 31: 261