INK: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Ink “Ink,” as such, also does not appear on published allergen lists, but most things that go into making ink do. These include glues and adhesives (epoxy and acrylic resins — the inks need a fixative to help them adhere to a surface when applied), dyes, phenylenediamine, and certain preservatives. Soy ink can be a better alternative […]

GLUE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Glue Epoxies and acrylates and formaldehydes, oh my! While the word “glue” is not on published allergen lists, glues and pastes are made up of several substances that are common allergens. We mentioned just a few up front: epoxy resins, acrylates, and formaldehyde (and formaldehyde releasers). These and other allergens are present in multiple types of glues, from […]

GRAPHITE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Graphite Pencil lead is made up of graphite (a form of carbon) mixed with wax and clay. Graphite is not on published allergen lists. In pencils specifically, you’re more at risk of a contact reaction from the paint used to color the outside of the pencil, the clay mixed in with the graphite (the more clay mixed in […]

IODINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not an Allergen (but problematic). Iodine A naturally-occurring trace element in our bodies that is important for the production of our thyroid hormones, an iodine “allergy” is considered impossible to occur. Irritant reactions to iodine and some medical substances (like radiology contrast media) with iodine can be common, but as these do not tend to […]

CRYSTALS & GEMSTONES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Crystals & Gemstones Mineral crystals (like agate, chalcedony, malachite, tiger’s eye, and amethyst) and rocks that are considered gemstones (like jade and lapis lazuli) are not published skin allergens. But look out for those that may be contaminated with allergens like nickel, cobalt, gold, or chrome. Reactions can also occur with handling, such as if […]

CINNAMON: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Cinnamon (Cinnamic aldehyde) Cinnamon is a popular spice but what makes it so delicious to eat and smell is a chemical compound found naturally in its bark that is a published common skin allergen: cinnamic aldehyde. While you can probably spot cinnamates quickly in foods and cosmetics that smell like cinnamon, it is used in other products where […]

TRICLOSAN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Triclosan In 2016, the US FDA banned this ever-popular antibacterial along with 18 other ingredients. The FDA’s stated reason for the ban was “because manufacturers did not demonstrate that the ingredients are both safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections” — but […]

MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone / Methylisothiazolinone): Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. MCI/MI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone) While the full name is a mouthful, you might have heard of MCI/MI. Several posts about the ingredient’s presence in baby wipes went viral due to the severity of the skin reactions it caused in babies. MCI/MI (commonly used as a combination) are preservatives that are published allergens, and the American Contact Dermatitis Society chose Methylisothiazolinone as […]

WOOD: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen (but be wary) Wood While “wood” is not listed in published allergen lists, you might be surprised to learn how often it can be the cause of skin irritations and allergies. Some of the most common culprits are: Paints, finishes, shellac, varnishes; Insecticides sprayed on or near the trees before they are cut […]