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No difference in relevant potential allergens in SPF-containing facial moisturizers: implications in frontal fibrosing alopecia

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Abstract

Background

Although controversial, it has been proposed that the use of leave-on facial skin care products, namely daily facial moisturizers with sun protection factor (SPF), is associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). In accordance, several authors have previously reported on patch testing results in cross-sectional studies of patients with FFA.

Aims

The aim was to survey the top-selling facial moisturizers for the prevalence of potential allergens identified in FFA patient patch testing and to then distinguish if those moisturizers containing SPF were statistically more likely to have relevant potential allergens than moisturizers without SPF.

Methods

Three online retailers were surveyed for the best-selling facial moisturizers, and ingredient lists were reviewed for allergens found in FFA-patient patch testing and fragrance and botanical cross-reactors.

Results

Out of 100 unique facial moisturizers, 87 contained at least one potential allergen identified in previous patch testing results of FFA patients. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of indicated allergens in facial moisturizers with SPF in comparison to those without SPF.

Conclusion

It does not appear that the presence of additional identified allergens in facial moisturizers with SPF explains the reported association with FFA. Further prospective, comparative studies are necessary to understand the potential role of personal cosmetic products in the development of FFA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Dustin H. Marks, Athena Manatis-Lornell, Dina Hagigeorges, JiaDe Yu & Maryanne M. Senna

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    JiaDe Yu & Maryanne M. Senna

Authors
  1. Dustin H. Marks
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  2. Athena Manatis-Lornell
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  3. Dina Hagigeorges
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  4. JiaDe Yu
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  5. Maryanne M. Senna
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maryanne M. Senna.

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None.

Conflict of interest

D.H. Marks, A. Manatis-Lornell, D. Hagigeorges, J. Yu, and M.M. Senna have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Marks, D.H., Manatis-Lornell, A., Hagigeorges, D. et al. No difference in relevant potential allergens in SPF-containing facial moisturizers: implications in frontal fibrosing alopecia. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 347–349 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00636-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00636-6

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