[Allergic contact dermatitis due to methoxy PEG-22 dodecyl glycol present in a cosmetic cold cream]

Abstract

Background: We report the case of a girl presenting acute allergic contact dermatitis due to methoxy PEG 22 dodecyl glycol contained in Mustela Cold Cream Nutriprotecteur®.

Patients and methods: A 6-year-old girl was referred with acute eczema of the face occurring within 12h of applying a new moisturizing cream, Mustela Cold Cream Nutriprotecteur®. Patch tests were performed on the upper back using the Finn Chamber technique with the European standard series and the patient's own cream. Readings were performed after 2 days and the sole positive ++ reaction was associated with Mustela Cold Cream®. Additional patch testing was carried out with the ingredients of the cream, with the sole positive ++ reaction again being to methoxy PEG 22 dodecyl glycol copolymer. The other ingredients were negative.

Discussion: Methoxy PEG 22 dodecyl glycol is a copolymer used in cosmetics as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-increasing agent. It is found in 20 cosmetics currently on the market, most of which are prescribed for children.

Conclusion: Although it is rare, doctors must be aware of allergic contact dermatitis due to methoxy PEG 22 dodecyl glycol because of the extent of clinical reactions and because it chiefly affects the paediatric population.

Keywords: Allergic contact dermatitis; Copolymers; Copolymères; Cosmetics; Cosmétiques; Eczéma de contact; Methoxy PEG 22 dodecyl glycol; Méthoxy PEG 22 dodécyl glycol.