COLOPHONY (Rosin)

This patient information on Colophony is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Colophony. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Colophony to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will continue to be Colophony sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This agent is a sticky amber material distilled from the sap of pine trees. It is found in a wide variety product including cosmetics.

Where is chemical found?

Adhesives and cements
Asphalt products
Athletic grip aid
Chewing gum
Cosmetics
Cutting fluids
Dental cement
Drive belts
Eye Shadow
Fireworks
Foundations
Glue tackifiers
Grease
High quality gloss paper
Insulating tapes
Linoleum
Lipstick
Mascara
Match tips
Modeling clay
Ostomy appliances
Oils
Paper
Paints
Periodontal packings
Pine-oil cleaners
Polishes
Polyethylene
Postage stamp glue
Putties
Printing inks
Rouge
Salicylic acid plasters
Sawdust (especially pine)
Soaps
Soldering fluxes
Stains
Sunscreens
Surface coatings
Topical medications
Ulcer bandages
Varnish
Veterinary Medications
Violin bow rosin
Waterproofing agents
Waxes
Yellow laundry soap

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Because this chemical is found is a wide variety of products, it is important to use only ingredient-labeled products that do not list Colophony or any of its synonyms on the label.
Inform your dentist that you are allergic to Colophony (rosin).
Wear gloves when applying products that contain this chemical.
Avoid other evergreen trees in addition to pine trees unless you have been tested negative.
Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Colophony (Rosin) and safe to use.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skincare products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer may occur to you.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Other names you may see Colophony listed as:

Abietic acid
Abietic alcohol
Abietyl alcohol
Abitol
Colophonium
Dercolyte ZS
Dertomal 18
Dertophene 18
Foral 105
Gum Rosin
Granolite SG
Hercolyn D
Methyl abietate alcohol
Resina terebinthinae
Rosin gum
Staybelite 10
Tall oil
Wood rosin
Rosin solder flux fume
Pentalyn

Possible Occupational Exposures*

Automobile Mechanics
Carpenters
Chemical technician
Electrical and Electronic engineers, technician and Assemblers
Electricians
Elevator Installers and Repairer
Furniture and wood finishes
Janitors and Maids
Jeweler
Machine operators
Machinists
Mechanic controllers and Valve repairers
Plumber and Pipe fitters
Printing machine operators
Sheet metal workers