Iodopropynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC)

IPBC is a preservative used to limit the growth of micro-organisms in industrial products and cosmetics.

IPBC has been used as a fungicide in wood protection products and paint since the early 1970s. It is also used as a preservative in cosmetics, adhesives, and textiles; and industrial oils, inks, and paper. In cosmetics, the maximum permitted concentration is 0.05%. Allergies to IPBC are described as resulting from using cosmetics or industrial oils or paint.

A German study found that 3 in every 1000 eczema patients who had been patch-tested were allergic to IPBC. In 2002, the Dermatology Department at Gentofte Hospital found that 0.33% of eczema patients were allergic to IPBC. Allergy to IPBC is relatively rare compared with the frequency of allergies to other preservatives. Nevertheless, as the use of IPBC is increasing, particularly in cosmetics, so might the frequency of allergic reactions.

Scientific publications

Jensen CD, Thormann J, Andersen KE. Airborne allergic contact dermatitis from 3-iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate at a paint factory. Contact Dermatitis 2003:48:155-157

Schnuch A, Geier J, Brasch J, Uter W. The preservative iodopropynyl butylcarbamate: frequency of allergic reactions and diagnostic considerations. Contact Dermatitis 2002:46:153-156.