DOES THE PALM TOCOTRIENOL-RICH FRACTION INDUCE IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS?

摘要

In Malaysia, the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) is used as one of the functional ingredients in cosmetics products. The topically applied vitamin E plays a role in protecting the skin from free radicals damage induced by the ultraviolet radiation. The formulation of new topical products always includes risk of unexpected cutaneous side effects in certain individuals. Although the irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) has been reported for many compounds including active substances in cosmetics, the local topical ICD of TRF preparations has not been reported. This article describes the safety evaluation of palm TRF on skin. The primary irritation potential was assessed through animal study while the ICD was determined using patch testing technique on healthy as well as highly sensitize patients. The sensitization potential was evaluated using human repeated insult patch test on healthy subjects. Results indicated that the palm TRF did not induced any cutaneous irritation or sensitization at 1%, 2.5% and 5%.