Abietic Acid

Abietic acid is an organic acid derived from conifer (pine, fir, spruce) trees. It functions as a surfactant and emulsifying agent.

Avoiding contact with abietic acid or rosin may be difficult because of its widespread use. Exposure can occur from many different sources.

Skin contact with abietic acid is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing abietic acid should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.