Allergy to methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol (Euxyl k 400): regulatory issues, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management.

Methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol (Euxyl K 400) is a preservative found in both personal care products and industrial sources. Although Euxyl K 400 initially appeared to have low sensitizing potential, increased prevalence of contact allergy to Euxyl K 400 led to regulatory intervention. This review summarizes the history, epidemiology, and management of contact allergy to Euxyl K 400. Issues related to patch-test preparations are also discussed.