Ingredient
COLOPHONIUM
Name / description
Colophonium; Colophony, Rosin
Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products
BINDING
Ensures the cohesion of powdered products
DEPILATORY
Removes unwanted body hair
FILM FORMING
Produces a continuous film on skin, hair and / or nails
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products
Origin
plant
Occurrence in cosmetics
Various cosmetics (more particularly, natural cosmetics)
Occurrence in other products
Medicinal products and medical devices (such as plasters or dental impression pastes); floor coatings; varnishes, polishes and waxes; paints and glues (more particularly, natural ones); cooling lubricants; stationery
Background information on use in cosmetics
The main component is the abietic acid, which is a natural constituent of the tree resin of spruces, pines, larches and firs.
Why are we talking about it?
Colophony is accused of inducing allergies (sensitising). The facts: Studies have confirmed the sensitising potential of colophony. It is a well-known contact allergen. Colophony is a resin coming from conifers (the trees of the pine species) and is widely used, including outside cosmetic products (in the glue used in plasters, for instance). It is however less and less present in cosmetic products. Colophony is one of the allergens systematically tested in epicutaneous tests (allergy tests). Key points to take away: Colophony is a known contact allergen. Sensitised people should avoid using products containing it by checking the list of ingredients. Professionals in contact with products containing colophony should take precaution measures to limit their contact with the product.
Further information
For the clarification of a suspicion of a contact allergy this substance can be routinely tested in the epicutaneous test at the dermatologist.
Belongs to the following substance groups
Regulating cosmetics
Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.