Allergy to linalool: a frequent cause of eczema

Skin Care article posted on Apr 18, 2009 by Josephine Toulemonde, Digestive Care Advisor & Optiderma Founding member

A new thesis presented at Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, shows that linalool, a very common fragrance ingredient used in shampoos, conditioners and soap, can be a frequent cause of eczema. Nickel is by far the most common substance that causes eczema, but the thesis shows that oxidized linalool occupies third place in the list, after nickel and cobalt.

In the study, oxidized linalool was added at patch testing for more than 3,000 patients who wanted to find out what was causing their eczema. Between 5% and 7% proved to be allergic to the oxidized form of the fragrance ingredient.

What is the problem with oxidized Linalool?
How to avoid Linalool?
Which essential oils contain Linalool?
Resources

What is the problem with oxidized Linalool?

Linalool is a fragrance ingredient found naturally in lavender, mint, and other plants. It is used in many natural products to ward off and control insects. Because of its flavorful and fragrant properties, Linalool is often added to processed food and beverages, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, household detergents and waxes. It is even used in some cigarette brands. As a result, this ingredient is found in many products: 60 to 80 percent of the perfumed hygiene products, washing up liquids and household cleaning agents.

The Food and Drug Administration considers Linalool to be generally recognized as safe. However it can cause an allergic reaction when it gets oxidized, this means when it comes into contact with oxygen. Other substances are usually added in the products to delay this oxidation process, but allergenic substances can still be formed from linalool when it is stored.

How to avoid Linalool?

It can be difficult for people who are allergic to avoid the products containing Linalool. "One way of trying to minimize exposure to oxidized linalool is to avoid buying large packs of soap and shower cream, and always to replace the top after using a bottle", says Johanna Bråred Christensson, author of the thesis.

Which essential oils contain Linalool?

Linalool is a natural constituent of many essential oils. High linalool-containing oils include howood 80-90%, rosewood 60-90%, coriander 60-80%, linaloe 30-70%, sweet basil linalool type 30-50%, thyme linalool type, Mentha citrata 20-50%, lavender 20-50%, lavandin 30-40%, petitgrain 20-30%, bergamot 10-30%, clary sage 10-25%, ylang ylang 10-15%, and geranium 8-15%. It is shown that lavender grown at high altitudes also tends to produce more linalool.

Linalool has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can also improve sleep, lower anxiety and lessen stress. But what if you are allergic to it when it becomes oxidized? Because Eczema - and also facial psoriasis - could be caused by contact allergy to linalool, you may want to make sure you are not allergic to it if you suffer from one of these skin conditions.

Resources

Common fragrance ingredients in shampoos and conditioners are frequent causes of eczema, Eurekalert March 27, 2009
Linalool (3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol) (128838) Fact Sheet, US Environmental Protection Agency
Authentication of essential oils containing linalool and linalyl acetate by isotopic methods, Sophie. Hanneguelle, Jean Noel. Thibault, Norbert. Naulet, Gerard J. Martin, J. Agric. Food Chem., 1992, 40 (1), pp 81–87
Linalool-Containing Essential Oils: New Safe Use Proposal, Soap-wire.com, July 16, 2004
Is There Evidence that Linalool Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis?, Jurij J. Hostýnek, Howard I. Maibach, Department of Dermatology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, Calif., USA
Evaluation summary of linalool for use of as a Cigarette Ingredient

Comments from the community (1)

"Clarrie" on 2010-04-22 at 10:51:44

It's taken 20 years for me to get to the bottom of my skin problem which some dermatologists put down to topical acne. Last year I cut out all skin products containing man-made chemicals (SLS, parabens etc) and eventually found that the culprits were linalool and limonene. Through a process of gradual elimination I've got to the bottom of it thankfully (after years of antibiotics from the docs!). If you suffer from long term topical skin problems, especially facial, I'd recommend cutting these two things out of your skincare regime. Good luck!

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