An article in Science Daily suggests that fragrance ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can be the problem.  Studies conducted at Shalgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden indicated that “over 5% of those who underwent patch testing were allergic to the air oxidized form of the frangrance ingredient linalool”. The article then suggests that 60-80% of perfumed hygiene products and cleaning agents contain linalool.

Linalool is a naturally occuring compound found in a variety of plants, flowers and spices such as lavendar, rosewood and bergamot.  It is a colorless, fragrant substance that oxidizes when exposed to air.

Linalool may not be the only toxic chemical in your shampoo or conditioner: ingredients such as methylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, and other additives may be doing more harm than good.  All of these ingredients are skin irritants and could very well trigger an allergic reaction. Fortunately, there are some possible alternatives: products on the market such as Aubrey Organics and Giovanni Cosmetics are free of these harsh chemicals and use more natural ingredients.

If you don’t want to go the “natural” products route, you can research the safety of your current products, and the ingredients in them that can cause irritability.  A wonderful site you can do this with is Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database, a nonprofit organization that rates the safety of over 42,000 products. It not only limited to haircare, you can find information on other skin-irritating products in makeup, skin care, nail care, and baby care.

Check your bathroom cabinets; your favorite products may be a contributing factor to your condition.

Click here to read more about how linalool may be a cause of eczema.