In diagnosing a cosmetic allergy, a physician is likely to complete a physical examination to check for the appearance of symptoms. A complete medical history, as well as a history of the patient’s exposure to various cosmetics, will also be taken. The patient may be asked to list the type and brands of cosmetic products used.

In addition, a patch test may be performed to try to uncover the allergen responsible for the reaction. A patch test involves soaking an absorbent pad in an allergen and taping it onto the skin of a patient for 24 to 72 hours. If a rash or small bump develops, the patient is most likely allergic to that substance.  

Fragrance allergies are the most common form of cosmetic allergy. Today, there are more than 5,000 different fragrances used in products. Very few of these typically cause allergic reactions in people. Fragrance mix is a combination of the eight most common allergy-causing scents. It often is used in patch testing to diagnose fragrance allergies.

The eight components of fragrance mix are:

• Cinnamic alcohol
• Cinnamic aldehyde
• Eugenol
• Isoeugenol
• Geraniol
• Alpha amyl cinnamic alcohol
• Hydroxycitronellal
• Oak moss absolute