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Chlorhexidine in cosmetic products – a market survey
Author(s) -
Opstrup Morten S.,
Johansen Jeanne D.,
Bossi Rossana,
Lundov Michael D.,
Garvey Lene H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12298
Subject(s) - chlorhexidine , cosmetics , preservative , medicine , ingredient , cleanser , dentistry , dermatology , food science , chemistry , pathology
Summary Background Chlorhexidine may cause type I and type IV allergy. Some chlorhexidine‐allergic individuals have been exposed in the healthcare setting as patients or healthcare workers, but for others the source of sensitization is unknown. Chlorhexidine may be used as a preservative or an antimicrobial agent in cosmetic products at a concentration up to 0.3%, as set by the E uropean C osmetics D irective (now Regulations). Objectives To identify cosmetic product types containing chlorhexidine, and to measure the concentration of chlorhexidine in selected products. Methods Between F ebruary 2013 and A pril 2013, we checked for chlorhexidine in cosmetic products in 14 supermarkets, one hairdressing salon and one beauty and retail store in C openhagen, D enmark by reading the ingredient labels. The chlorhexidine concentration was measured in 10 selected products by high‐performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC ) with an ultraviolet ( UV ) detector. Results Chlorhexidine was found in 80 of 2251 checked products (3.6%) in the following categories: hair products (57/760), creams (9/324), face washes (4/24), wet wipes (4/63), skin tonics (3/22), make‐up removers (2/25), and mouth washes (1/17). Chlorhexidine concentrations were 0.01–0.15%. Conclusions We found chlorhexidine in various cosmetic product types, predominantly aimed at females, and in hair products. The measured chlorhexidine concentrations were all within the permitted limit. The relevance for allergic sensitization should be further explored.