In vivo percutaneous absorption of fragrance ingredients in rhesus monkeys and humans.

The percutaneous absorption of the fragrance diethyl maleate was measured in vivo in human and monkey studies. With the application sites occluded, 54% of the applied dose of the volatile fragrance penetrated human skin in 24 hr compared with 69% absorption in the monkey skin. It was concluded that the monkey is a good model for human skin with regard to the penetration of this fragrance material since no significant difference in the absorption of diethyl maleate was observed. The percutaneous absorption of the fragrances benzyl acetate and five other benzyl derivatives (benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzamide, benzoin and benzophenone) was determined in vivo in monkeys. Absorption through occluded skin was high for all compounds (approximately 70% of the applied dose in 24 hr) and no significant differences between the values for the different compounds were observed. No correlations were seen between skin penetration of these compounds and their octanol-water partition coefficients. Under unoccluded conditions skin penetration of the fragrances was reduced and there was great variability between compounds, presumably because of variations in the rates of evaporation from the site of application. The data suggest that humans may have significant systemic exposure to these fragrance materials.