Prevalence of Surfactant in the Contact Allergen Management Program

Abstract

Background: Surfactants are common ingredients in topical products, which can cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 12 common groups of surfactants and 12 common individual surfactants among products in each category in the American Contact Dermatitis Society Contact Allergen Management Program (CAMP).

Methods: The American Contact Dermatitis Society CAMP was queried for the 12 surfactant groups and the 12 individual surfactants.

Results: The laureth/pareth sulfate group was the most prevalent surfactant group in CAMP products (17.9%). Laureth/pareth sulfates were the most common surfactant group in all product categories, except household and eye care products. The betaine/sultaine group (13.5%) and glucosides (10.0%) were also found in a significant proportion of CAMP products. Oleamidopropyl dimethylamine has the highest positive reaction rate (3.5%) but was tied for the lowest prevalence (0.20%) of the 12 individual surfactants studied. In contrast, cocamidopropyl betaine has a lower positive reaction rate (1.6%) with a higher prevalence (10.4%).

Conclusions: Surfactants were commonly found across all product types in CAMP. This study provides important information on allergen and irritant exposures in care products.