Skin irritation potential of cosmetic preservatives: An exposure‐relevant study

• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13502
• Publication Date: 2020-06-03T17:50:52Z
• Authors: Xue Ma; Huan Wang; Yanqing Song; Yao Pan
• Keywords: Propylparaben; Paraben; Erythema; Patch test; Chorioallantoic membrane

Abstract Background Preservatives represent one of the main causes skin irritation and contact allergies. Aims To comprehensively evaluate potential phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin under regulatory acceptable concentrations. Methods A patch test repeated open application (ROAT) were applied to in vivo. In vitro alternative methods consisting keratinocyte cytotoxicity assay, red blood cell (RBC) test, hen's egg test‐chorioallantoic membrane (HET‐CAM) performed elucidate mechanism preservative‐induced responses. Results The showed that all substances a weak erythema response. Propylparaben had highest occlusive irritancy owing damage membrane. two formaldehyde releasers noticeable ROAT through their keratinocytes, while visible response was observed after applying phenoxyethanol parabens. No filtration noticed vivo tests, which might be attributed failure subcutaneous vessel alteration by preservatives. Conclusions Commonly used cosmetic preservatives have minor with mild reaction practical use, especially propylparaben.