Sesquiterpene Lactone Mix I or II

Sesquiterpene lactone mix is a mixture of alantolactone, costunolide, and dehydrocostus lactone. This mixture is used as a screening agent for allergy to sesquiterpene lactones and members of the Compositae family of plants, which is the primary source of these chemicals. These plants include:

Avoidance of these plants or products containing these plant extracts should result in clearing of the dermatitis. Read product labels and avoid any products that contain any of the above ingredients. Avoidance may be difficult, especially if one’s occupation is outdoors where there is airborne exposure to these chemicals. This also applies for florists or food workers who must handle plants containing these allergens. Gardeners, florists, farmers, and cooks are particularly at risk for becoming allergic to these plants.

Skin contact with sesquiterpene lactones is usually required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing sesquiterpene lactones should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for these ingredients. If there is not enough information, ask your retailer or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

MC4999-32/12-21-24