Hidden Allergens in Everyday Skincare & Oral hygiene: A Growing Concern
Allergic reactions are increasingly being linked to unexpected ingredients found in common skincare adn oral hygiene products, extending beyond traditionally recognized allergens. Recent allergological assessments are revealing sensitivities to components within toothpastes, mouthwashes, creams, and even “hypoallergenic” and “natural” formulations.
Oral Hygiene & Unexpected Triggers:
Allergies can manifest during seemingly routine activities like brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth. One case involved a young girl experiencing dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and nasal pruritus (itching) each time she brushed her teeth.Investigation revealed an immediate allergic reaction to lemonene and anethole – aromatic compounds frequently used as flavorings in toothpaste.
Chronic oral issues can also signal an allergy. A young woman suffered recurring aphthoid lesions (mouth sores) for months, ultimately traced to a tin allergy present in her toothpaste. Tin is added to some toothpastes as an antibacterial agent, offering an choice to sodium fluoride.
Mouthwash ingredients are also under scrutiny. A woman developed angioedema (swelling) on her lips after using a mouthwash containing methyl-isothiazolinone, a preservative known to cause allergic reactions. While the European Union has restricted the use of isothiazolinones in leave-on cosmetic products due to their potential to cause contact eczema,higher concentrations are still permitted in rinse-off products like mouthwash.
Skincare Sensitivities: Beyond the Basics:
Contact eczema can occur even with the use of seemingly appropriate creams. When a skin condition fails to improve despite treatment, questioning the ingredients becomes crucial. Recently identified allergens in emollient and healing creams include chlorphenesin (an antimicrobial agent), Capryloyl glycine (a preservative derived from amino acids), and PEG 22 and 45 copolymers (emulsifiers).
Anti-aging cosmetics, rich in vitamin derivatives, are also emerging as potential allergy sources. A study documented seven women sensitized by ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Other cases involved allergies to phytonadione epoxide (a vitamin K derivative), bisabolol (an anti-inflammatory from the asteraceae plant family – including chamomile and sunflower), and even phorastine, an antioxidant found in apples.
The Illusion of “Neutral” & “Natural”:
The label “hypoallergenic” doesn’t guarantee allergen-free. Pentylene Glycol, often used as a less irritating alternative to propylene glycol in “hypoallergenic” products, can itself trigger contact allergies. Similarly, zinc ricinoleate, a deodorant ingredient used to absorb odors in “natural” deodorants, has been identified as an allergen.
Sulfites, used as antioxidants and preservatives in both cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, are also a concern. One individual experienced facial and neck eczema linked to sodium metabisulfite in a moisturizer marketed for sensitive skin, which was further aggravated by a prescribed antifungal treatment (ketoconazole) also containing sulfites.
These cases highlight the importance of careful ingredient scrutiny and, when necessary, allergological assessment to identify and avoid hidden allergens in everyday products.
