Allergen of the Year is an annual award voted upon by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, aiming to raise awareness about common allergens. The purpose of the award is "to draw attention to the agents causing the most significant clinical effects, those that are under-recognized and those that have become obsolete or for which exposure patterns have changed".
Awards +YearAllergenDescriptionReferences2026Benzyl alcoholAromatic alcohol widely used as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in personal care products, topical medications, and injectable formulations.2025Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfateAromatic amine used in hair dyes.2024SulfitesGroup of compounds used to preserve food and drink products. 2023LanolinNatural wax from sheep's wool, often used in skincare products.2022AluminiumCommon metal.2021Acetophenone azineCompound found in EVA foam, used in sporting equipment and footwear.2020Isobornyl acrylateUsed in medical devices for diabetes patients.2019Parabens (selected as a non-allergen)"One of the least allergenic preservatives available".2018Propylene glycolEmulsifier used in foods and cosmetics.2017Alkyl glucosidesSurfactants extracted from vegetal and renewable sources. Often used in cosmetic products.2016CobaltMetal.2015FormaldehydePreservative.2014BenzophenonesChemical ultraviolet light absorbers used in products such as sunscreens, hair sprays and photographic filters.2013MethylisothiazolinoneChemical used as a preservative in many cosmetics, lotions, and makeup removers..2012AcrylatePlastic materials derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with a variety of uses, including in paints, adhesives, printing ink and in the medical and dental professions. Dermatology News.2011Dimethyl fumarateChemical often used to inhibit the growth of mold. Has been banned in consumer products in the European Union since 2009.2010NeomycinCommon antibiotic.McNamara, Damian. (2010). Neomycin Is Named Contact Allergen of the Year 2009Mixed dialkyl thioureaUsed in rubber manufacturing, Neoprene rubber is a common source.2008NickelCheap metal, widely used in coins and household items.Brunk, Doug. (2008). Nickel is Named Contact Allergen of the Year. 2007FragranceVariety of compounds with smells or odours.2006p-PhenylenediamineCommon hair dye chemical that is used to augment black henna tattoos. It has been shown to cause severe blistering and scarring, and its topical use is banned in some countries.2005CorticosteroidsClass of steroid hormones, can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.2004Cocamidopropyl betaineMixture of closely related organic compounds, used in soaps and shampoos.2003BacitracinCommon antibiotic.2002ThimerosalWell-established antiseptic and antifungal agent, often used in medicines and vaccines.2001GoldPrecious metal, used often in jewelry.2000Disperse blue dyeDye used to color synthetic textiles.
See also List of cutaneous conditions
References
External links ACDS Allergens of the Year Review ACDS’ Allergen of the Year 2000-2015, by The Dermatologist.