25395354
BACKGROUND	Oak moss absolute , an extract from the lichen Evernia prunastri , is a valued perfume ingredient but contains extreme allergens .
OBJECTIVE	To compare the elicitation properties of two preparations of oak moss absolute : ` classic oak moss ' , the historically used preparation , and ` new oak moss ' , with reduced contents of the major allergens atranol and chloroatranol .
METHODS	The two preparations were compared in randomized double-blinded repeated open application tests and serial dilution patch tests in 30 oak moss-sensitive volunteers and 30 non-allergic control subjects .
RESULTS	In both test models , new oak moss elicited significantly less allergic contact dermatitis in oak moss-sensitive subjects than classic oak moss .
RESULTS	The control subjects did not react to either of the preparations .
CONCLUSIONS	New oak moss is still a fragrance allergen , but elicits less allergic contact dermatitis in previously oak moss-sensitized individuals , suggesting that new oak moss is less allergenic to non-sensitized individuals .

