More People Allergic to Fragrance Ingredient in Soaps

Filed in archive Skin Allergies on March 29, 2009

According to a new Swedish study, more people turns out to be allergic to the by-product of a fragrance compound used in soaps and shampoos.

"I would suspect that about 2% of the complete population of Sweden are allergic to air oxidized linalool. That may not sound very much, but it is serious since linalool is so widely used as a fragrance ingredient. Linalool is found in 60-80 percent of the perfumed hygiene products, washing up liquids and household cleaning agents that can be bought in the nearest supermarket, and it can be difficult for people who are allergic to avoid these products", says dermatologist Johanna Bråred Christensson, author of the thesis.

Linalool is an ingredient found naturally in lavender, mint, and other plants. It's when it comes into contact with oxygen that it becomes oxidized and cause allergy. Since most products would contain this product, the trick is to minimize its oxidation. The authors tip: avoid buying large packs of soap and shower cream, and always to replace the top after using a bottle!

Photo Credit: juliaf