4 cosmetic ingredients that pose an allergic risk

Possible allergies in your surroundings

We are surrounded by a variety of things in our daily lives: everyday items, clothing, furniture, detergents, cosmetics, etc. In fact, of the countless substances contained in these items, more than 3,700 substances have been identified as causing contact allergies.

In the United States and Europe, it has been reported that between 12.5% ​​and 40.6% of the population have allergic reactions to one or more substances.

It is also said that 24% of Americans will experience allergic dermatitis at some point in their lives. Although this data is not for Japan, it seems likely that allergies affect more people than we think.

Allergies may be caused by cosmetics

There are over 10,000 types of cosmetic ingredients. These vary from chemicals to natural ingredients. And among these, many are known to cause allergies. Cosmetics that you use every day can suddenly cause an allergic reaction.

In this article, we will introduce four cosmetic ingredients that are commonly considered allergens.

Aluminum Compounds

Have you ever had red or itchy armpits when you applied antiperspirant? If so, you may be having an allergic reaction to the aluminum compounds contained in the antiperspirant. Aluminum compounds used in cosmetics include the following:

• Chlorohydroxy AI (antiperspirant)
• Aluminum chloride (antiperspirant)
• Alumina (lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation, etc.)
• Aluminum hydroxide (lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation, sunscreen, etc.)
• Silicic acid (AI/Mg)
• Starch Octenyl Succinate AI

The percentage of people who develop allergies due to these substances is low. However, people who have had skin problems from using antiperspirants should be careful. It is a good idea to check whether other cosmetics, such as makeup products, contain aluminum compounds.

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are a typical example of allergy-causing substances. The EU, which has the strictest regulations on cosmetics in the world, has identified 26 types of fragrance ingredients as allergens. However, in Japan, they are often simply listed as "fragrance." Since they are not listed on the label, it is possible that you are unknowingly using allergens on a daily basis.

Below are the 26 fragrance ingredients identified by the EU as allergens.

• Amyl cinnamaldehyde
• Amyl cinnamyl alcohol
• Anise alcohol
• Benzyl alcohol
• Benzyl benzoate
• Benzyl cinnamate
• Benzyl Salicylate
• Cinnamon alcohol
• Cinnamaldehyde
• Citral
• Citronellol
• Coumarin
• Eugenol
• Farnesol
• Geraniol
• Hexylcinnamaldehyde
• Hydroxycitronellal
• Lillard
• Lilial (banned from cosmetics in the EU from March 1, 2022)
• Isoeugenol
• Limonene
• Linalool
• 2-Octinoic acid methyl ester
• Methyl ionone
• Hornwort Extract
• Evernia furfurasea extract

Some of these substances are already banned in cosmetics in the EU, but in Japan there are no restrictions on their amounts or concentrations.

By the way, even if a product is labeled as "fragrance-free," it may contain special fragrances called masking agents. In other words, even if the product has no smell, it may still contain fragrance.

If you are prone to allergies to fragrances, choosing "fragrance-free" or "fragrance-free" products may be the safest option.

metal

People who have metal allergies to accessories or precious metals may need to be careful about the ingredients in cosmetics.

This is because the iron oxide used in makeup products and sunscreens may contain trace amounts of metals such as cobalt, nickel, and chromium as impurities.

These are known to easily cause metal allergies. Although iron oxide itself is not an allergen, there is a possibility that trace amounts of substances that cause metal allergies remain.

If you experience symptoms such as redness or itching on your skin after applying foundation or sunscreen, you may have an allergic reaction to these metals. People who have had allergic reactions to metals in the past may need to be especially careful.

Essential oils

Many people who are looking for cosmetics and skin care that are gentle on the skin may choose organic or natural cosmetics. However, it is important to keep in mind that ingredients derived from nature are not necessarily gentle on the skin.

Essential oils are a typical example of naturally derived ingredients. However, they can cause strong skin sensitization and allergic reactions in some people.

Of the 26 fragrance allergens listed under "synthetic fragrances," the following are also found in large amounts in natural essential oils.

• Citral (the main component of lemongrass oil)
• Citronellol (found in rose essential oil)
• Coumarin (contained in cherry leaves)
• Eugenol (found in clove and other essential oils)
• Farnesol (found in rose and lemongrass essential oils)
• Geraniol (found in geranium, lemon and rose essential oils)
• Isoeugenol (contained in ylang-ylang essential oil)
• Limonene (found in the essential oils of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges)
• Linalool (found in lavender, rosewood and bergamot essential oils)

Of course, the scent can have a soothing effect. Also, not everyone will necessarily have an allergic reaction. However, natural essential oils contain the same allergens as synthetic fragrances.

People with sensitive skin and small children tend to be at higher risk, so there is a reason why fragrance-free products are recommended for babies .