Antonio Mcgowan
Fragrance is the most common cosmetic allergen, and balsam of Peru (BOP) is a known fragrance allergen. In fact, patch testing for BOP can detect about 50% of fragrance allergies. BOP is derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree, which is native to Central and South America. It is used in food and drink for flavoring, in perfumes and toiletries for fragrance, and in medicine and pharmaceutical items for healing properties. It has a sweet scent reminiscent of cinnamon and vanilla. If you have an allergy to BOP, it is important to identify possible sources of contact and avoid them. This includes using only products that do not list BOP or any of its other names on the label. Fragrance-free and unscented products are generally safe, but it is important to check the ingredient label as some products labeled fragrance-free may still contain fragrance additives or extracts.
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What You'll Learn
Lotions without fragrance or balsam of Peru may contain other allergens
Due to its widespread use, balsam of Peru is considered one of the top five contact allergens. As a result, the International Fragrance Association banned the use of crude balsam of Peru in fragrances in 1982. However, extracts and distillates are still used in products, up to a maximum of 0.4%. In addition, the name "balsam of Peru" is a misnomer, as the product is primarily produced in El Salvador. The name comes from the fact that the Spanish originally shipped the product to Europe from a Peruvian port.
For those with a balsam of Peru allergy, it is essential to avoid not only balsam of Peru but also related chemicals, which means avoiding fragranced and perfumed products. Only fragrance-free or unscented products should be used, and it is important to check the ingredient labels of all products to ensure they do not include "parfum" or a fragranced plant extract. In addition to lotions, balsam of Peru can be found in other cosmetics and toiletries, such as perfumes, deodorants, aftershave lotions, baby powders, sunscreens, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
It is also important to note that balsam of Peru is used in some foods and drinks for flavouring, so those with an allergy may need to follow a balsam of Peru avoidance diet. This includes avoiding foods such as tomatoes, cinnamon, citrus fruits, and chocolate, as well as spices such as vanilla, cloves, and paprika.
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Fragrance and balsam of Peru allergies often overlap
Fragrance is the most common cosmetic allergen, and balsam of Peru is a common fragrance additive. It is a natural substance derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree, which is native to El Salvador. The name comes from the fact that El Salvador was once part of a Peruvian colony. It has a sweet, earthy scent reminiscent of vanilla and cinnamon due to its high cinnamic acid and vanillin content. It is also used for its mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.
Balsam of Peru is commonly used in perfumes and toiletries, as well as in medicine and pharmaceuticals. It is also used for flavouring in food and drinks. It is often listed on product labels as "fragrance", "perfume", "parfum", "essential oil blend", or "aroma", and it may not be listed by name on ingredient labels.
Because of its potential to cause allergic reactions, the International Fragrance Association banned the use of crude balsam of Peru as a fragrance compound in 1982. However, extracts and distillates are still used at a maximum level of 0.4% in products and are not covered by mandatory labelling.
People with a balsam of Peru allergy may also be sensitive to other chemically related substances, including spices and flavourings used in daily cooking. They may also react to some foods such as tomatoes, cinnamon, citrus, and chocolate. If you suspect you have an allergy to balsam of Peru, it is best to seek a patch test from a dermatologist or allergist.
To avoid an allergic reaction to balsam of Peru, it is recommended to cut out fragrance entirely from your personal care routine and replace all products with fragrance-free (not unscented) alternatives.
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Fragrance mix and balsam of Peru are both fragrance additives
Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru is a fragrant, sticky liquid that is harvested from the bark of the Myroxolon balsamum tree, native to El Salvador. It has a sweet scent, smelling of vanilla and cinnamon. It is used in food and drink for flavouring, in perfumes and toiletries for fragrance, and in medicine and pharmaceutical items for healing properties. It is also used for its mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiparasitic attributes.
Balsam of Peru is a common allergen, often appearing in the "`top five` allergens most commonly causing patch test reactions." It may cause inflammation, redness, swelling, soreness, itching, and blisters, including allergic contact dermatitis, stomatitis, cheilitis, pruritus, hand eczema, and conjunctivitis. Since 1982, the International Fragrance Association has banned the use of crude balsam of Peru as a fragrance compound, but extracts and distillates are used up to a maximum level of 0.4% in products.
Fragrance Mix
Fragrance mix is a combination of eight commonly used individual fragrances: geraniol, cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, cinnamyl alcohol, a-amylcinnamaldehyde, isoeugenol, eugenol, and oak moss. Fragrances are used to add or mask scents in products and may come from natural or synthetic sources.
Fragrance mix is another common allergen, with an estimated 1-2% of the general population being allergic to it. Allergic reactions are similar to those caused by balsam of Peru, including redness, swelling, itching, and rashes.
Avoiding Fragrance Mix and Balsam of Peru
Due to their common presence in products, it can be challenging to avoid fragrance mix and balsam of Peru. However, some strategies include:
- Using fragrance-free products, such as laundry detergent.
- Avoiding fragrances in the families of gourmand, warm spicy, vanillic, resinous, smoky, incense-y, or very sweet, as these may contain balsam of Peru.
- Opting for fresh, fruity, floral, green, woody, aldehydic, vegetal, or animalic scents, which are less likely to contain balsam of Peru.
- Contacting the manufacturer to inquire about the presence of balsam of Peru or fragrance mix in their products.
- Patch testing products on a small area of the skin to check for potential allergic reactions.
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Balsam of Peru is not always listed as an ingredient
Balsam of Peru is a fragrant resinous liquid derived from the Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae tree, which is native to Central America. It is used in a variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, food and drink, and medicine. Due to its widespread use, it is a common allergen, with many large surveys identifying it as one of the top five allergens causing patch test reactions.
While it is a known allergen, Balsam of Peru is not always listed as an ingredient on product labels. This is because it is often included under the general term "fragrance" or "parfum", which can make it difficult for consumers to identify whether a product contains Balsam of Peru or not. In some cases, it may be listed under one of its various names, such as "Myroxylon pereirae oleoresin", "Peruvian Balsam", or "Balsam fir oil". However, it is not always required to be listed by its specific name due to mandatory labelling conventions.
The lack of transparency in ingredient labelling can make it challenging for consumers with allergies or sensitivities to Balsam of Peru to make informed choices. To address this issue, it is recommended that consumers contact the product manufacturer directly to inquire about the presence of Balsam of Peru. Some companies, particularly independent and artisanal brands, may be more transparent about their ingredients and responsive to inquiries.
Additionally, consumers can perform a patch test on their skin to determine if a product contains Balsam of Peru. This involves applying a small amount of the product to a patch of skin, such as the bend of the arm or neck, for a few days in a row to observe any potential reactions. However, it is important to note that self-testing should only be done after consulting with a doctor, especially for products that are designed to stay on the skin, such as cosmetics and lotions.
To avoid potential allergic reactions, it is generally recommended to look for products that have detailed ingredient labels and avoid those that list any of the known names for Balsam of Peru. Consulting with a pharmacist or doctor can also provide guidance on suitable alternatives and dietary adjustments to accommodate this common allergen.
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Some companies are more transparent about their ingredients
While many companies are not required to disclose individual fragrance ingredients, some companies are more transparent about their ingredients. These are often independent, artisanal brands. For example, Sonoma Scent Studios provides complete ingredient lists for its perfumes, without simply listing "fragrance" or "parfum".
If you are allergic to Balsam of Peru, it is important to be aware that it may be included in a product's ingredient list under one of its various names. These include Myroxylon pereirae, cinnamic acid, cinnamein, and vanillin. It is also important to note that naturally occurring ingredients may contain substances identical or very similar to Balsam of Peru, which may cause the same allergic reactions.
To find lotions that do not contain Balsam of Peru, you can try contacting companies directly to ask about the presence of this ingredient in their products. It may be helpful to explain that you have an allergy and request a list of their fragrances that do not contain it. This method can be time-consuming, but it is a way to find lotions that are safe for you to use.
Additionally, you can look for lotions that are fragrance-free rather than simply "unscented". While "unscented" products may not have a detectable odour, they can contain masking fragrances that may include Balsam of Peru. By choosing fragrance-free lotions, you can avoid this potential issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Balsam of Peru is a natural aromatic resinous balsam derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree, which is found in Central and South America. It is used for its sweet scent in perfumes and toiletries, as a flavouring in food and drink, and for its healing properties in medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Balsam of Peru is a common allergen, causing skin reactions in patch tests. It can lead to inflammation, redness, swelling, soreness, itching, and blisters, as well as allergic contact dermatitis. If you are allergic, it is important to avoid all sources of contact, including lotions and other skincare products.
Balsam of Peru may be listed on product labels by one of its various names, including Myroxylon pereirae or Peruvian Balsam. However, it is not always required to be listed by its name due to labelling conventions, and may be hidden under the ingredient "fragrance", "perfume", "parfum", "essential oil blend", or "aroma".
CeraVe and Vanicream products are known to be effective, low-cost, and truly fragrance-free. Vanicream formulas tend to have shorter ingredient lists, making them a good option for sensitive skin. Two fragrance-free body products from Necessaire are also recommended: The Body Lotion - Firming Moisturizer With 5 Peptides and 2.5% Niacinamide, and The Body Cream - Barrier Repair Treatment With 5% Niacinamide + 5 Ceramides.
