Okeke CAV, Seltzer JA, De Guzman CB, Tran JH, Okoye GA, Byrd AS, Wu PA. Allergen content of popular chemical hair relaxers: A product analysis.
Contact Dermatitis 2024. [PMID:
38783163 DOI:
10.1111/cod.14583]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Chemical hair relaxers are widely utilized by black women, yet little research exists on the allergens present in these products.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate allergen prevalence in the most popular chemical hair relaxers.
METHODS
We analysed 41 products from five major retailers, identifying allergens through ingredient lists and comparing them to the 2020 American Contact Dermatitis Group Core allergen series.
RESULTS
The most common contact allergens in chemical relaxers include propylene glycol, cetyl steryl alcohol, fragrance, D/L-a-tocopherol, tea tree oil and cocamidopropyl betaine.
CONCLUSION
Understanding allergen exposure in products used by individuals with textured hair is needed for managing contact dermatitis in diverse populations. This analysis underscores the presence of potential allergens in hair relaxers, emphasizing the importance of dermatologists' awareness and patient scrutiny of ingredient lists.
Collapse