Even though hand sanitizer says it’s fragrance free, many contain common allergens
Despite having labels that contain terms such as “dermatologist-recommended,” “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free, ”many popular hand sanitizer products on the market contain common allergens and irritants.
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that at least one North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) allergen was found in over 70% of the 160 top-rated hand sanitizers identified among five major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and others.
Even if a product is labeled as “hypoallergenic,” scan the ingredient list for these top skin allergens identified in the study.
Top 5 skin allergens found in hand sanitizer
Researchers found a total of 17 NACDG allergens in the 160 hand sanitizers studied. The five most common allergens found were:
▪ Tocopherol, found in 46% of sanitizers
▪ Fragrance, found in 44% of sanitizers
▪ Propylene glycol, found in 17% of sanitizers
▪ Phenoxyethanol, found in 14% of sanitizers
▪ Lavender oil, found in 7.5% of sanitizers
Other allergens that were found less frequently include compositae mix, tea tree oil, ethylhexylglycerin, benzophenone-4, cinnamal, peppermint oil and others.
Signs of contact dermatitis
Repeated exposure to these allergens may cause contact dermatitis, which most commonly presents as a red, itchy rash on the affected area(s) of skin. Other signs of contact dermatitis include:
▪ Dry, cracked skin
▪ Bumps and blisters
▪ Swelling or burning
▪ Tenderness
If you notice any of these signs of contact dermatitis, discontinue using any new products that you may have recently tried, including sanitizers, and discuss treatment options with your dermatologist.
Bottom line
Unfortunately, reading the front label of skincare and personal care products is not always enough to determine whether or not they are suitable for allergy-prone skin. Just because a product is labeled as “natural,” “moisturizing” or “safe for sensitive skin” does not necessarily mean that it is free of all potential irritants or allergens.
Check the ingredients on your hand sanitizer, especially if you have noticed any of the signs of contact dermatitis listed above.
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