Common Contact Allergens in "Natural" Products: Propolis, Lanolin, Essential Oils, Balsam of Peru
Propolis, lanolin, essential oils and fragrance, Balsam of Peru and other plant-based ingredients that dermatology sources link to skin allergy, with what the studies did and did not show.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read natural ingredient safety before you use anything on this page.
Skin allergy to an ingredient is not rarer because the ingredient is natural. FDA lists fragrances, along with preservatives, dyes, metals and natural rubber, among the main classes of cosmetic allergens. [1] The most common sign is an itchy, red rash, called allergic contact dermatitis. [1] If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, FDA says to call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. [1]
Most numbers below come from people who were patch tested at dermatology clinics, so they show how often an allergen caused trouble in that group, not in the general public. Proper evidence not found in the sources we read for general-population rates of these allergies.
The ingredients most often named
| Ingredient | What the sources found | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Propolis | The authors of a 2013-2025 review argue that cosmetics are an infrequent cause of propolis sensitization, and that the majority of positive tests may be cross-reactions in people already sensitized to fragrances. [2] A market survey of 500 cosmetics found none listing propolis. [3] See Propolis. | Documented, in patch-test clinics |
| Beeswax | The same survey found reactions to beeswax from residual propolis cannot be fully excluded but appear uncommon and mainly involve allergic contact cheilitis from lip balms. [3] See Beeswax. | Uncommon |
| Lanolin | Among 43,691 people patch tested by a North American group from 2001 to 2018, 3.3 percent reacted. [4] Reactions were more common in children (4.5 percent) than adults (3.2 percent). [4] Common sources were personal care products and medications. [4] FDA's skin-protectant rule also lists lanolin as an active ingredient; see Skin Barrier Care. [5] | Documented, in patch-test clinics |
| Fragrance and plant essential oils | FDA's list of fragrance allergens includes extracts and oils such as lavender (Lavandula), peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, now a synonym of Cinnamomum verum). [1][6] | Documented |
| Balsam of Peru | DermNet says a positive Balsam of Peru patch test is seen in 50 percent of fragrance allergy cases. [7] MedlinePlus lists it among allergens in personal products, cosmetics, foods and drinks. [8] | Documented |
| Oxidized terpenes (limonene, linalool) | A review says attention has focused on oxidized limonene and linalool as sensitizers. [9] In a clinic cohort of 135 children, linalool and limonene hydroperoxides, propylene glycol, fragrance mix and lanolin were top allergens. [10] | Documented, small cohort |
| Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) | Listed among the most common allergen ingredients across 41 hair relaxer products, from ingredient lists. [11][6] | Ingredient-list analysis only |
| Chamomile | LactMed says topical chamomile is a known sensitizing agent and may cross-react with other members of the aster (daisy) family. [12] It covers German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). [12][6] | Documented |
| Aloe vera gel | LactMed says it has caused itching, burning and allergic contact dermatitis, possibly from latex contamination from the leaves. [13] | Reported |
Why labels can hide the cause
- Fragrance can be listed only as "fragrance" or "perfume". [1]
- DermNet says products listing "botanical", "herbal" or "natural" ingredients may contain an unidentified fragrance. [14]
- A study of 1,470 "clean" products found 93.8 percent listed at least one potential allergen, mostly fragrances and botanicals. [15]
- Patch testing may not find the cause if it is a contaminant or unlisted ingredient. [16]
What a reader can do
Check the full ingredient list, and ask a dermatologist about patch testing if a product keeps causing a rash. See Patch Testing Natural Ingredients, Natural Does Not Mean Hypoallergenic and Essential Oil Safety.Frequently asked questions
Is propolis a common cause of allergy in cosmetics?
A 2026 market survey of 500 cosmetics found none listing propolis, and its authors concluded propolis is not or only rarely used in conventional cosmetics on the European market. [3]
Is lanolin allergy common?
In people patch tested by a North American group, 3.3 percent reacted to lanolin, but this is not a general-population rate. [4]
Are essential oils allergens?
FDA's list of cosmetic fragrance allergens includes several plant essential oils. [1]
Can I react to a product that says "natural"?
Yes. In one study, most "clean" products contained a potential allergen. [15]
Which doctor tests for these allergies?
A dermatologist can arrange patch testing; FDA says a healthcare provider may recommend it. [1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety points
- Children: a systematic review of 11,593 patch-tested children found children with atopic dermatitis had higher rates of positive tests to lanolin alcohol, among other ingredients. [17]
- Cross-reactions: DermNet says allergy to Balsam of Peru may cause sensitivity to chemically related substances. [7] See Allergies, Asthma and Plant Product Cross-Reactions.
- Reporting: FDA invites reports of adverse events after cosmetic use. [1] See Side Effects, Allergic Reactions and Reporting.
References
- Allergens in Cosmetics, US FDA. Read 2026-10-23.
- de Groot A, Rustemeyer T. Contact Allergy to Propolis: Update 2013-2025. Dermatitis 2026 (PubMed 41346028). Read 2026-10-23.
- de Groot AC et al. Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review. Contact Dermatitis 2026 (PubMed 41663074). Read 2026-10-23.
- Silverberg JI et al. Lanolin Allergic Reactions: North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2001 to 2018. Dermatitis 2022 (PubMed 35481824). Read 2026-10-23.
- 21 CFR Part 347, Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use, eCFR. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, species match service (names checked: Myroxylon balsamum, Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Lavandula angustifolia, Melaleuca alternifolia, Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile, Aloe vera). Read 2026-10-23.
- Balsam of Peru allergy, DermNet (New Zealand). Read 2026-10-23.
- Contact dermatitis, MedlinePlus (NIH). Read 2026-10-23.
- Karlberg AT, Lepoittevin JP. One hundred years of allergic contact dermatitis due to oxidized terpenes. Contact Dermatitis 2021 (PubMed 34453446). Read 2026-10-23.
- Brumley C et al. Characterization of Pediatric Patch Testing: A Retrospective Review, 2020-2023. Dermatitis 2024 (PubMed 38913333). Read 2026-10-23.
- Okeke CAV et al. Allergen content of popular chemical hair relaxers: a product analysis. Contact Dermatitis 2024 (PubMed 38783163). Read 2026-10-23.
- Chamomile, Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), NIH (PubMed 30000867). Read 2026-10-23.
- Aloe, Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), NIH (PubMed 30000889; updated 2024). Read 2026-10-23.
- Fragrance allergy, DermNet (New Zealand). Read 2026-10-23.
- Tran JM et al. Natural Is Not Always Better: The Prevalence of Allergenic Ingredients in "Clean" Beauty Products. Dermatitis 2022 (PubMed 35256558). Read 2026-10-23.
- Ezzat RZ et al. Nutritional Supplements and Cosmetic Formulations: A Review of Emerging Allergens. Dermatitis 2026 (PubMed 41101984). Read 2026-10-23.
- Isufi D et al. Allergens Responsible for Contact Allergy in Children From 2010 to 2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Contact Dermatitis 2025 (PubMed 39827476). Read 2026-10-23.