PRESERVATIVES IN MOISTURIZERS ON THE SWEDISH MARKET

The presence of 9 common preservatives was investigated in 100 moistur izers by high-performance liquid chromatography, According to the manu facturers/suppliers 88 of the 100 moisturizers contained at least one of the 9 preservatives. This information was erroneous in 9 cases (10. 2%). When the moisturizers were investigated for the presence of the 9 preservatives which should not be present in the moisturizers accordi ng to the manufacturers/suppliers, at least one of the preservatives w as detected in 17 moisturizers (17.0%). Parabens were the most common preservatives. The concentrations of the 9 preservatives did not excee d the maximum concentrations allowed in cosmetics. When a patient with suspected allergic contact dermatitis Pests positively to a preservat ive, the assessment of present clinical relevance requires demonstrati on of exposure to the sensitizer. This demonstration cannot rely solel y on information on the packages or from the manufacturers/suppliers b ut has often to be supplemented bg chemical analysis.