Neutron reflectometry of a contact dermatitis stratum corneum skin model in contact with oxidized fragrance molecules

Contact allergy (CA) is an increasing problem, affecting 15-20% of the population worldwide. Fragrance molecules (FMs) are the second most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), however, allergy tests have shown that CA is often caused by the presence of oxidised molecules (DPs) from air exposure of the aged consumer product. Allergens must pass through the skin’s outer barrier, the stratum corneum (SC), to provoke ACD. We have developed an SC model, which is simple, allowing changes to be interpreted mechanistically, and realistic, by presenting a similar structure and molecular composition as the SC tissue. The SC model will be exposed to two common fragrances and their DPs, known to cause allergic responses. We hope to investigate the effect of DPs on the lipid organisation in the SC, and understand the underlying mechanism of the allergic response in patients with CA.