An analysis of common allergens associated with contact dermatitis in microneedle acne patch product ingredients

Summary: Abstract Body: While hydrocolloid acne patch products have been sold in South Korea and grown in popularity internationally since the early 2010s, microneedle acne patches are a newer product intended for the treatment of acne. Microneedle acne patches are designed with hollow microneedles which are intended to penetrate the stratum corneum in order to deliver active ingredients. These ingredients are often not regulated because they are sold as cosmetic products. This project aims to analyze the ingredients of popular microneedle acne patch products for the inclusion of common allergens associated with contact dermatitis. “Microneedle Acne Patch” was searched at seven large retail websites, including Target, Amazon, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart on February 13th, 2024. The first five listed products matching the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Ingredients were then cross referenced with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) to identify common allergens. Overall, the search term “Microneedle Acne Patch” yielded 17 unique products and 74 unique ingredients across five different retail websites, which included Target, Amazon, Sephora, CVS, and Walmart. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract, ethylhexylglycerin, and propolis extract were identified as common allergens based on the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Of the 17 products, eight contained a common allergen screened for by NACDG. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract was the most common allergen found in microneedle acne patches, identified in six different products. Propolis extract and ethylhexylglycerin were each found as a common allergen in one product, respectively. Future studies should continue to analyze the prevalence of common allergens as screened for by NACDG and the potential for contact dermatitis following the use of microneedle acne patch products. Sarah E. Muir¹, Rebecca Bui¹, Alyssa Hansen¹, Aeyzel Munoz Gozalez¹ 1. The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine, Galveston, TX, United States. Adaptive and Auto-Immunity