Allergen of the Year: Fragrance

[Guest guest]

I subscribe to Medscape Dermatology. This article addresses contact

dermatitis.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/559985?src=mp you have to register

to read, but it's free to all.

Notice that they're focusing on synthetics for this. Only one botanical,

oakmoss, is cited. We all know of the dangers of photosensitization with

bergamot, lime, etc., but this article does not address

photosensitization, just the horrid rashes and such that can occur from

contact dermatitis. Interesting read on how the system to evaluate them

was devised.

We natural perfumers adhere to safety guidelines, and good labeling

should help folks avoid things they know they are allergic to. Myself,

I'm sensitized to oakmoss, yet I use it in such a small amount in my

perfumes, I have no trouble. I boost its saltiness and depth with

seaweed absolute, and I'm a happy perfumer :-)

So often we NP'ers are accused of being chem-phobic. Not true. I just

love the scent of the naturals, and know in the right hands of the right

" nose " the perfumes created rival any with synthetic-containing perfume

on the market, they're just different, that's all. With the previous

article I just posted a link to, which declares naturals with outgrow

synths in the market, let's hope the Golden Age of Natural Perfumery is

dawning.

Between the 2800 members of the three groups I'm sending this to, I'd

say we have a lot to be happy about with our choice of natural aromatics.

Here's a list of the top offenders, all synthetics except for the oakmoss:

1. Evernia prunastri (oak moss) extract

2. Isoeugenol

3. Eugenol

4. Cinnamal

5. Hydroxycitronellal

6. Geraniol

7. Cinnamyl alcohol

8. Amyl cinnamal

--

Sincerely, Anya

Anya's Garden of Natural Perfume http://AnyasGarden.com

Natural Perfumers Guild http://NaturalPerfumersGuild.com

Natural Perfumers 1200+ members Group http://tinyurl.com/78kmv