Understanding fragrance allergy using an exposure‐based risk assessment approach

• Published in: Contact dermatitis 2001-12, Vol.45 (6), p.333-340
• Main Authors: Gerberick, G. Frank, Robinson, Michael K, Felter, Susan P, White, Ian R, Basketter, David A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrolein - administration & dosage; Acrolein - adverse effects; Acrolein - analogs & derivatives; Allergens - administration & dosage; Allergens - adverse effects; allergic contact sensitization; Allergic diseases; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Consumer Product Safety; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - prevention & control; Domestic and cosmetic products toxicology; exposure; fragrances; Guinea Pigs; Hair Preparations - adverse effects; Humans; Immunopathology; margin of safety; Medical sciences; Perfume - administration & dosage; Perfume - adverse effects; potency; risk assessment; Risk Assessment - methods; skin; Skin allergic diseases. Stinging insect allergies; Time Factors; Toxicology
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.450603.x

Conducting a sound skin sensitization risk assessment prior to the introduction of new ingredients and products into the market place is essential. The process by which low‐molecular‐weight chemicals induce and elicit skin sensitization is dependent on many factors, including the ability of the chemical to penetrate the skin, react with protein, and trigger a cell‐mediated immune response. Based on our chemical, cellular and molecular understanding of allergic contact dermatitis, it is possible to carry out a quantitative risk assessment. Specifically, by estimating the exposure to the allergen and its allergenic potency, it is feasible to assess quantitatively the sensitization risk of an ingredient in a particular product type. This paper focuses on applying exposure‐based risk assessment tools to understanding fragrance allergy for 2 hypothetical products containing the fragrance allergen cinnamic aldehyde. The risk assessment process predicts that an eau de toilette leave‐on product containing 1000 ppm or more cinnamic aldehyde would pose an unacceptable risk of induction of skin sensitization, while a shampoo, containing the same level of cinnamic aldehyde, would pose an acceptable risk of induction of skin sensitization, based on limited exposure to the ingredient from a rinse‐off product application.