Colophony, also called Rosin, is a natural resin from the sap of coniferous trees that is found in a wide variety of products. In the European Union, products that contain more than 1% colophony are labeled with an allergy warning, due to its abundance.Colophony allergy develops when the immune system becomes overly sensitive to the substance or to products that contain it. When a person with this allergy is exposed to colophony or its byproducts, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Moreover, due to its abundance, colophony allergy found on patch testing is hard to explain because of its common use in both the household and workplace.

Colophony and its danger to Sensitive Skin

Colophony is a mixture of resin acids; 90% abietane or pimarane-type structures and 10% neutral components. The main resin acid is the abietic type, and it is the main allergen in colophonium. Based on studies, the risk of sensitization to the substance is even greater for people who already have damaged skin with an impaired skin barrier, as compared to healthy skin.Most people can not notice their skin's sensitization to colophony early on due to its abundance in daily items. The best option would be patch testing to find out if you are allergic to colophony. Some allergic reactions might appear, though they can differ from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• Skin reactions: Redness, itching, swelling, and rashes where the allergen makes contact. These may present as dermatitis or eczema.

• Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, especially when colophony particles are inhaled.

• Eye irritation: Itchy, red, watery, or swollen eyes, often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis.

• Nasal symptoms: Sneezing, nasal congestion or runniness, itching, and postnasal drip after inhaling colophony particles.

In rare severe cases, colophony exposure can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction marked by difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention if anaphylaxis occurs.

The Widespread use of Colophony and how to trace it in your Daily Life

Commonly known as the substance musicians use on the bows of string instruments, it also plays an important role in creating a wide range of common products. The popularity of this substance stems from its cheapness, water resistance, and its really effective binding properties.  Some products that you would like to avoid if you have this allergy are:

• Adhesives and tapes: Glue tackifiers (stamps, labels), adhesive plasters, medical and electrical tapes.

• Cosmetics: Mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, foundations, concealers, and epilation waxes.

• Paper products: Glossy magazines, photocopying paper, stickers, and photographic paper.

• Household and recreational items:

• Pine-oil cleaners

• Yellow laundry soap

• Match tips

• Fireworks

• Chewing gum

• Wood polishes and furniture waxes

• Soldering fluxes

• Rosin for musical instruments or sports

• Medicines and medical supplies: Wart removers, medicated creams, topical ointments, and certain dressings.

• Industrial products: Printing inks, paints, varnishes, sealants, some greases, and cutting fluids.

• Dentistry: Dental cements and some fluoride varnishes.

• Footwear: Glues used in shoe construction. 

Tracking its presence on items is also not easy, as it is listed with different names on products. Some of the most common alternative names for Colophony that you need to watch out for on labels are:

• Disproportionate rosin 

• Colophonium 

• Rosin gum 

• Rosin 

• Wood or pine rosin 

• Tall oil 

• CAS RN: 8050-09-7

The Hidden Colophony in our Clothing

Colophony abundance in the market doesn't exempt the textile industry, which commonly uses it in dying, chemical finishes, and adhesives; it is tough to find clothing free of this substance.

Low concentrations of this substance are found in clothing products around the market. Despite that small percentage, it can still irritate people who have skin allergies and sensitivities. The best option for true colophony-free clothing is hypoallergenic products that use little to no chemicals in their production.

Cottoniques Hypoallergenic Clothing and Innovations; Avoiding chemicals that may contain Colophonyl

By the company's innovative efforts, Cottonique creates hypoallergenic products that eliminate harmful chemicals that may contain colophony: 

• Innovative hydro-pressure wash - Unlike other cotton underwear available in the market. Cottonique’s unique fabric utilizes an innovative hydro-pressure wash process. This results in a pure, clean, unadulterated cotton fabric – without any potentially harmful dye or bleach chemicals, color-enhancing compounds, or softening additives, normally found in other cotton underwear, which may contain colophony.

• Hydro-thermal compacting process  - A purely mechanical process that uses heat and water to ensure a dimensionally stable, shrinkage-controlled fabric without using potentially harmful resin chemicals commonly used by other underwear brands to control shrinkage.

• 100% Organic Cotton - Free from chemicals and pesticides that contain traces of colophony, which may contaminate the textile.

• Nothing But Cotton Collection - A collection of clothes made exclusively of 100% organic cotton.

As the company’s motto, prevention is better than cure. Wearing hypoallergenic clothing made of 100% organic cotton will help you avoid allergic flare-ups. Our clients who have this colophony allergy can attest to the product's effectiveness.

Cottonique knows how difficult it is to find clothing that will match your skin's needs. That is why the company offers products that truly reflect its hypoallergenic status and continues to dedicate its time and effort to deliver Clothing Made for Your Skin.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on Cottonique’s website is intended solely for general informational purposes and should never be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content—including text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings—is created for educational purposes and should not be regarded as establishing a standard of care.

Readers are encouraged to verify any information from this site with reliable sources and consult their physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. As part of its mission to help individuals with allergies live more comfortably, Cottonique emphasizes the importance of seeking personalized medical advice for any health concerns.