Allergen Content of Best-Selling Ethnic Versus Nonethnic Shampoos, Conditioners, and Styling Products

In 2020, a study was conducted to identify allergens unique to ethnic hair products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The top 100 best-selling products for ethnic and nonethnic hair were determined from three major online retailers (Walmart, Target, Walgreens). The allergens were defined based on the 2017 American Contact Dermatitis Society Core 80 allergen list. The study found that fragrance was the most common allergen in ethnic hair products. Other notable allergens included methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde releasers, cetyl steryl alcohol, tocopherol, decyl glucoside, sodium benzoate, and phenoxyethanol. The study concluded that there are significant differences in allergens found in products marketed for ethnic hair compared to those marketed for nonethnic hair.