Anethole

Anethole is primarily a flavoring, but is also a fragrance used in a variety of products such as personal care products, essential oils, perfumes, and industrial products.

Skin contact with anethole is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing anethole should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed

either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

The avoidance of fragrances and flavoring agents such as anethole can be difficult since so many everyday products contain these substances. One should use only fragrance-free cosmetic and household products. “Unscented” products may contain low levels of a fragrance to cover up an undesirable odor and also should be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance. 

Since fragrances are complex mixtures of many ingredients, an individual may tolerate one fragrance but not another. A trial-and-error method of avoiding a fragrance allergen in a product can be performed by applying the product to the forearm in the same small area twice a day for a week. If no dermatitis develops, the product may likely be used safely. 

Direct contact with foods or products containing anethole may cause symptoms including burning, irritation, and redness. Direct contact may occur on the skin, lips, or mouth. It is possible, but rare, that ingestion of this substance could cause generalized symptoms such as itching or redness of the skin.

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