Allergen of the Year
Annual award
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Allergen of the Year is an annual "award" voted upon by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, aiming to raise awareness about common allergens. The purpose of the award is "to draw attention to the agents causing the most significant clinical effects, those that are underrecognized and those that have become obsolete or for which exposure patterns have changed".[1]
Awards
| Year | Allergen | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate | Aromatic amine used in hair dyes. | [2] |
| 2024 | Sulfites | Group of compounds used to preserve food and drink products. | [3] |
| 2023 | Lanolin | Natural wax from sheep's wool, often used in skincare products. | [4] |
| 2022 | Aluminium | Common metal. | [5] |
| 2021 | Acetophenone azine | Compound found in EVA foam, used in sporting equipment and footwear. | [6][7] |
| 2020 | Isobornyl acrylate | Used in medical devices for diabetes patients. | [8][9] |
| 2019 | Parabens (selected as a non-allergen) | "One of the least allergenic preservatives available". | [10][11] |
| 2018 | Propylene glycol | Emulsifier used in foods and cosmetics. | [12][13] |
| 2017 | Alkyl glucosides | Surfactants extracted from vegetal and renewable sources. Often used in cosmetic products. | [14] |
| 2016 | Cobalt | Metal. | [15] |
| 2015 | Formaldehyde | Preservative. | [16][17] |
| 2014 | Benzophenones | Chemical ultraviolet light absorbers used in products such as sunscreens, hair sprays and photographic filters. | [18][19] |
| 2013 | Methylisothiazolinone | Chemical used as a preservative in many cosmetics, lotions, and makeup removers.. | [20] |
| 2012 | Acrylate | Plastic materials derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with a variety of uses, including in paints, adhesives, printing ink and in the medical and dental professions. | [21][22] |
| 2011 | Dimethyl fumarate | Chemical often used to inhibit the growth of mold. Has been banned in consumer products in the European Union since 2009. | [23][24][25] |
| 2010 | Neomycin | Common antibiotic. | [26][27] |
| 2009 | Mixed dialkyl thiourea | Used in rubber manufacturing, Neoprene rubber is a common source. | [28][29] |
| 2008 | Nickel | Cheap metal, widely used in coins and household items. | [30][31] |
| 2007 | Fragrance | Variety of compounds with smells or odours. | [32] |
| 2006 | p-Phenylenediamine | Common hair dye chemical that is used to augment black henna tattoos. It has been shown to cause severe blistering and scarring, and its topical use is banned in some countries. | [33][34] |
| 2005 | Corticosteroids | Class of steroid hormones, can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. | [35][36] |
| 2004 | Cocamidopropyl betaine | Mixture of closely related organic compounds, used in soaps and shampoos. | [37][38] |
| 2003 | Bacitracin | Common antibiotic. | [39][40] |
| 2002 | Thimerosal | Well-established antiseptic and antifungal agent, often used in medicines and vaccines. | [41][42] |
| 2001 | Gold | Precious metal, used often in jewelry. | [43][44] |
| 2000 | Disperse blue dye | Dye used to color synthetic textiles. | [45][46] |