Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Personal Care Products: A Focus on Established and Emerging Allergens.

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to personal care products (PCPs) represents a significant and growing clinical challenge, with increasing use of diverse PCPs and their expanding range of ingredients. Common allergenic components include fragrances, botanicals, preservatives, surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers, vitamins, and ultraviolet (UV) filters. Patch testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing ACD and identifying causative allergens, but traditional panels often fail to capture emerging PCP-related allergens. This review highlights key established and emerging PCP allergens, such as limonene and linalool hydroperoxides, sodium benzoate, octocrylene, and benzophenone-4. Strategies are discussed to optimize diagnostic accuracy through targeted series and repeated open application tests. Patient education about PCP labeling is paramount when assisting patients with allergen avoidance. Clinicians must balance precise allergen identification with practical management knowledge to improve outcomes in PCP-related ACD.