Vitamin E and allergic contact dermatitis.

Abstract

Reports of vitamin E-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and frequent use of vitamin-E derivatives (tocopherol, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopherol acetate, etc) in skin care products deserves further investigation into tolerability and suitability of vitamin E in skin care preparations. A PubMed search was conducted to review the prevalence of vitamin E-induced ACD. It revealed 931 cases of vitamin E-induced ACD mainly from one large study. There were no reported deaths and only three patients required hospitalization for treatment. It appears that vitamin E-induced ACD is an uncommon phenomenon; incidence is low despite its widespread use in skin care products. Given its antioxidant and photoprotective properties, vitamin E should remain an ingredient in skin care products.

• Authors: Payman Kosari, Ali Alikhan, Mary Sockolov, Steven R Feldman
• Journal: Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug (Dermatitis) 2010 May-Jun Vol. 21 Issue 3 Pg. 148-53 ISSN: 2162-5220 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20487657 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Cosmetics
• Sunscreening Agents
• Vitamin E

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cosmetics (adverse effects, chemistry)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patch Tests
• Sunscreening Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Vitamin E (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Young Adult