Allergen of the Year: Fragrance

[Guest guest]

I 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

of Natural Perfume

Natural Perfumers Guild http://NaturalPerfumersGuild.com

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

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Anya,

<<let's hope the Golden Age of Natural Perfumery is

dawning.>>

 

Since I am someone who can't handle fragrances at all and do have a

sensitivity to some essential oils, it was such a wonderful surprise to

me when I discovered that I could make a little blend of essential

oils that was Ok for me.

However, it is often hard to convince people of that. Asthmatics just

stay the 'heck' away from anything called 'perfume'.

I've gone through the agony of trying out different things, but most

are not inclined to do so..

Although the listed offenders are known, it's still a highly individual

thing to what one reacts to.

With me it's rose and most lavenders, besides the others.

BUT, if the rose is highly diluted, blended into something else and by

someone other than me, I sometimes can get away with it. Depends if

there are other allergens around me at that time.

C-M

[Guest guest]

At 08:13 AM 8/9/2007, you wrote:

 

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

 

except, except except for the fact that if one is allergic to synthetic

eugenol, for example, one is often also allergic to natural botanicals

containing eugenol.

 

We have several members on this list permanently sensitized to natural

botanicals; so giving the impression that it's only the synthetics that

cause problems can be very misleading.

 

another citation:

 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551354

 

 

From

<http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle//viewpublication/786_index>Dermatology

Nursing

 

" Allergins of new and emerging significance "

02/26/2007

 

Christen M. Mowad, MD

 

>Another large potential arena for new and emerging allergens are the

>cosmeceutical and botanical products. These products have increased in

>popularity and their use has become widespread. Given the limited

>availability of standardized allergens to test for allergy to botanicals,

>reports of allergic contact dermatitis to these chemicals are low.

>However, there are several botanicals reported to cause allergic contact

>dermatitis (Kiken & Cohen, 2002).

>

>The most common botanical to date reported to cause allergic contact

>dermatitis is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of

>Melaleuca alternifolia. It is becoming increasingly popular and is found

>in a wide variety of products. It has antimicrobial effects against

>bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also has anti-inflammatory effects

>(Crawford, Sciacca, & James, 2004). It is found in cosmetic products,

>household products, massage oils, aromatherapy products, and

>over-the-counter products. It can cause several adverse effects including

>allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, systemic contact

>dermatitis, and an erythema multiforme-like reaction (Crawford et al.,

>2004). There are many components in tea tree oil and these can vary by

>batch, heat, light, moisture, season, and humidity.

 

 

 

 

 

Over 10 years online supplying Aromatherapy and Healthcare Professionals

Essential Oils, Hydrosols, Accessories, Hard to find Books and Videos

<http://www.naturesgift.com>

[Guest guest]

, Marge Clark <marge wrote:

>

> At 08:13 AM 8/9/2007, you wrote:

>

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

oakmoss:

>

> except, except except for the fact that if one is allergic to

synthetic

> eugenol, for example, one is often also allergic to natural

botanicals

> containing eugenol.

>

> We have several members on this list permanently sensitized to

natural

> botanicals; so giving the impression that it's only the synthetics

that

> cause problems can be very misleading.

>

 

I agree. I believe that a person's preference for NP and synthetics

is an entirely individualistic preference. I don't know why

everything has to become such a campaign and just because a person

cannot stand synthetics, then why do we have to convince everyone not

to use synthetics? Not everyone in the world is allergic to them.

One of my favorite favorite scents is Sandalwood EO and now people

are complaining that we can't use that because of the tree situation,

so I've found comfort in wearing a coconut-based synthetic

fragrance. It's what I prefer and what I like. I love the smell of

Coppertan Suntan Lotion and sometimes I smear that on me.

 

The only allergy I have is I'm extremely allergic to cats (severe

asthma, hives, etc), but I don't want to ban the furry buggers off

the planet just because I'm allergic. I sell both natural scents and

synthetics. I wear mostly synthetics because that's MY preference.

I agree a number of synthetic fragrances can smell cheap but there

are a number of EO that are either too pricey or they smell too

mediciny. If you prefer the natural scent and only natural stuff,

then good for you, if you like synthetics thats cool too. I'm not

here to convince anyone to use anything other than what they enjoy.

I'll show them essential oils and what they can do, but if they want

some Mango then hey, here it is. As long as we are handling your

businesses safely and responsibly then we should be allowed that

freedom.

 

Michele Madison Robles

Danaomi Scents

[Guest guest]

LOL! I thought I was the only person who wore suntan lotion just for the

coconut smell!! I don't do it often, but man I love the smell and sometimes

it's just so comforting and escapist... I wish I knew a more natural way to

get that strong and long-lasting smell of coconut. Burt's Bees has a

peppermint/coconut foot lotion that's super-greasy and super-moisturizing,

but I can really only wear it at night, or in the winter with thick socks,

since it kind of makes my feet slide around in my shoes too much. Plus, you

can still the peppermint enough to distract from the tropical, lazy, sunny,

contentment of coconut...

 

Susan

 

 

On 8/10/07, Chaeya <chaeya wrote:

<It's what I prefer and what I like. I love the smell of

<Coppertan Suntan Lotion and sometimes I smear that on me.