Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Carvone in Hair Conditioners

Carvone has occasionally been reported as an allergen, usually in flavorings. Isomers of carvone have been either a mint or a rye flavor and aroma. We report a woman with positive patch-test reactions to carvone (newly added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard series) and dermatitis on the head. She had used a hair conditioner with a mint scent, and the dermatitis resolved when she discontinued using this product. While the manufacturer would not confirm carvone as an ingredient, the clinical course, patch-test results, and ingredient list strongly suggest that this was a relevant allergen in this case of allergic contact dermatitis.