Deodorants are one of the most frequently used types of
cosmetics and side-effects from them are common. Recent studies relate
perfume allergy to this type of product. 73
deodorants were analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry for the determination of the contents of 7 wellknown fragrance
allergens from the fragrance mix and 14 other commonly used fragrance materials. The
deodorants were purchased at retail outlets in 5 European countries. It was found that in general, fragrance mix ingredients were more frequently present in vapo- and
aerosol sprays than in roll-on products. The levels of the fragrance mix substances ranged from 0.0001-0.2355%. The products investigated contained
cinnamic aldehyde and
isoeugenol less frequently (17% and 29% respectively), and
eugenol and
geraniol most frequently (57% and 76% respectively). The 14 other fragrance materials were found in 40-97% of the
deodorants, with
hedione and
benzyl acetate the most frequently found substances. The concentration of these 14 substances ranged from 0.0001-2.7%. It is concluded that the levels of
cinnamic aldehyde and
isoeugenol found in the
deodorants could prove to be relevant for elicitation of
contact dermatitis. No conclusions could be drawn about the other fragrance mix constituents, as threshold levels in sensitized individuals have not been investigated. Furthermore, all of the fragrance materials investigated were frequently found in
deodorants and, apart from the fragrance mix ingredients, the extent of problems with sensitization to these fragrance materials is largely unknown.