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. 2024 Aug;91(2):139-145.
doi: 10.1111/cod.14583. Epub 2024 May 23.

Allergen content of popular chemical hair relaxers: A product analysis

Chidubem A V Okeke  1 , Janyla A Seltzer  1 , Christian B De Guzman  2 , Joseph H Tran  3 , Ginette A Okoye  1 , Angel S Byrd  1 , Peggy A Wu  4
Affiliations

Allergen content of popular chemical hair relaxers: A product analysis

Chidubem A V Okeke et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2024 Aug.

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.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; chemical hair relaxers; skin of colour; textured hair.

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References

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