Colophonium (Colophony, Rosin, Colophane)

Colophony, also known as rosin, is the sticky sap that comes from coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce trees. Its “stickiness” makes it useful in a wide range of cosmetics, topical medication, and industrial products.

Skin contact with colophony is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing colophony should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. 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. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

Avoiding contact with colophony may be difficult because of its widespread use. Exposure can occur from many different sources.

Inform your health care provider and dentist that you are allergic to colophony and ask for preparations that do not contain colophony or any of the other allergens to which you are likely to react.