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ePaper created 2014-09-15, 12:31:02 | version 1.32.01
Research on cosmetic allergy leading to ingredient labelling in the European Union Anton C. de Groot Dermatologist Anton de Groot (1951) trained in Groningen and practised in ’s-Hertogenbosch from 1980-2002. He first became interested in cosmetic allergy while writing his book “Unwanted effects of cosmetics and drugs used in dermatology” (Excerpta Medica, 1983) in collaboration with his teacher Johan Nater, and drawing from their chapters on dermatological drugs and cosmetics in Meyler’s series on the side-effects of drugs. In a general population survey, he found that over 12% of the participating individuals potentially had suffered from adverse reactions to cosmetics. It was demonstrated that some 10% of such reactions are caused by contact allergy.[1] Data from his own practice and from a prospective study with the Dutch Contact Dermatitis Group showed that fragrances and preservatives were the most important categories of allergens, with the preservative system methyl(chloro)isothiazolinone (Kathon® CG), the emulsifier oleamidopropyl dimethylamine and the nail polish resin tosylamide/ formaldehyde as most frequent causes of cosmetic-induced allergic contact dermatitis.[2,3] The importance of Kathon® CG as cosmetic sensitizer was soon confirmed in many studies in the Netherlands and other countries.[4] In 1988, Anton de Groot defended his PhD thesis ‘Adverse reactions to cosmetics’, supervised by prof. Johan Nater. Frustrated by the lack of easily accessible information on the ingredients of cosmetic products, De Groot approached the European Society of Contact Dermatitis and became convenor of the Working Party Community Affairs. In a discussion document the Party clearly demonstrated that ingredient labelling (mandatory ingredient listing on a cosmetic product or its package) would be extremely useful with only slight and temporary disadvantages for the cosmetics industry.[5] The European Commission and its committees, elected legislators, national trade, industry and health departments and the cosmetics industries were extensively lobbied. This resulted in new legislation by the Commission of the European Communities in 1991, making ingredient labelling mandatory for all cosmetic products sold or disposed of in EC Member States by December 31, 1997. In the mid 1990s, De Groot and his colleagues warned for a sharp rise in allergic reactions to methyldibromo glutaronitrile, which was employed on a large scale by the cosmetics industry as a substitute for Kathon® CG[6]. This new preservative was banned in the EU from all cosmetic products in 2008. Anton de Groot recently published the 3rd edition of his book ‘Patch Testing’ (www.patchtesting.info).[7] 157 BWEADVSMGFINCORR:Opmaak 1 21-07-2014 17:41 Pagina 157