Linalool Hydroperoxides

Linalool is a fragrance widely used in cosmetics and household products. Until recently, contact allergy to linalool was considered rare because positive patch tests to it were infrequently observed. In recent years, however, it has been demonstrated that exposure of linalool to oxygen (air) results in formation of a number of oxidation products, of which the hydroperoxides have a far stronger sensitizing potency than the pure compound. By routine testing of patients suspected of having contact dermatitis with hydroperoxides of linalool, high frequencies of positive reactions were found, indicating these chemicals are important fragrance allergens. It should be realized, however, that a number of positive reactions may well be false-positive, irritant responses.