Lenor Fabric Conditioner: Studies to detect any adverse skin effects under real use conditions

This type of test is based on realistic exposures to the product, and can evaluate the potential of the product to cause either irritation or sensitization (allergy). In addition, skin benefits due to product use can be detected both through the objective assessment of the panelists' skin condition and through comments from the panelists during the course of the study.

A group of 64 volunteer panelists used laundry detergent plus Lenor for all home laundry for a period of 7 weeks. An additional group of 64 panelists used laundry detergent alone. The skin condition of the panelists was assessed before the test began, and after 1, 4 and 7 weeks of at home usage. A diagnostic test for skin allergy to Lenor was also conducted (24-hour patch test application of the material on a small area of the skin of the upper arm) at the start and completion of the test to confirm there were no allergic reactions.

Result: Responses of the group using detergent plus Lenor were no different than the group using detergent alone. There were no significant skin reactions and no evidence of skin allergies throughout the 7 week usage period. In fact, the scores for dryness were slightly lower for the Lenor group, indicating these panelists' had skin that was in slightly better condition.
  This type of test is based on realistic exposures to the product, and confirms that the product will not cause irritation or any other adverse effect for a very important class of consumers; young children. The design of this test is very simple. Volunteer parents are asked to substitute the new product for their current product, and to use as normal for all of their children's laundry. Every 2 weeks, the child's skin is visually evaluated by an expert for any signs of irritation or other adverse effects.

In our test on Lenor, 110 babies/toddlers were enrolled in the study, with the consent of their parents or guardians. The majority (61) were asked to replace their normal fabric softener with Lenor. The rest (49) were asked to stop using any fabric softener. The test continued for a total of 8 weeks.

Result: There were no differences in the skin of the panelists in the two groups (Lenor vs. no softener), confirming that there were no adverse effects due to wearing clothes softened with Lenor.
 

• Rodriguez C., G. Calvin, C. Lally, J. M. LaChapelle. 1994. Skin effects associated with wearing fabrics washed with commercial laundry detergents, Journal of Toxicology - Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 13:39-45.
• Bannan, E. A., J. F. Griffith, T. L. Nusair, L. J. Sauers. 1992. Skin testing of laundered fabrics in the dermal safety assessment of enzyme-containing detergents, Journal of Toxicology - Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 11:327-339.