Methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) is a bromine-containing preservative that has been used in cosmetic and toiletry preparations as well as in some industrial products. A maximum concentration of 0.1% MDBGN in stay-on and rinse-off cosmetics was approved for use in the mid 1980’s and animal tests showed it to be a weak sensitiser compared to other preservatives used at the time. By the 1990’s it became a commonly used preservative, particularly in cosmetic and self-hygiene products. However, methyldibromo glutaronitrile was soon discovered to cause allergic contact dermatitis reactions in eczema patients. Rates of sensitisation to MDBGN increased from 0.7% in 1991 to 3.5% in 2000 in patch test studies from 16 European centres. In the United States, sensitivity rates were up to 11.7%. In 2005, the European Union, banned the use of MDBGN in stay-on products, and then later in 2007 also in rinse-off products. Recent data from Europe observed a significant decrease in positive patch test reactions since the ban of MDBGN.

Triacetin, also known as Glyceryl Triacetate, is a cosmetic biocide, plasticizer, and solvent in cosmetic formulations, at concentrations ranging from 0.8% to 4.0%. It is a commonly used carrier for flavors and fragrances. Triacetin was affirmed as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) human food ingredient by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used as an inactive ingredient additive in some drug formulations. It has been used as a plasticizer in the tests of acrylic polymer films for drug delivery. Triacetin is not toxic to animals. However, in one study, it caused erythema, slight edema, alopecia, and desquamation, and did cause some irritation in rabbit eyes. Concentration of triacetin in consumer products is in the range of about 0.005-2 % for cosmetics, and has been reported to be as high as 15-33 % for one specific antifungal drug.

Ethoheptazine is an analgesic, which belongs to the proheptazine group. It was used either alone (Zactane trade name) or in combination with meprobamate and aspirin (Equagesic) for the pain relief in patients with headache or musculoskeletal disorders. Currently all mediactions containing ethoheptazine are withdrawn from the market. The exact target of ethoheptazine is unknow, but it is believed that it may have modulatory effect on opioid receptors.

Pentoxyverine is a non-opioid antitussive used to prevent cough caused by common cold. It is used as an active ingredient of several oral over-the-counter cough suppressants alone or in combination with other medications, especially decongestants. Certuss is a combination of pentoxyverine and guaifenesin. Pentoxyverine is FDA pregnancy category C drug. Known as anticonvulsant, and spasmolytic agent.

Diethylcarbamazine is used in humans, dogs and cats for the treatment of parasitic infections, including pulmonary eosinophilia, loiasis, and lymphatic filariasis. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown, however some studies showed the involvment of inducible nitric-oxide synthase and the cyclooxygenase pathway. Although there is no information on whether the drug is marketed in the USA and Europe, it is currently used in India.

Tripelennamine (sold as Pyribenzamine by Novartis) is a drug that is used as an antipruritic and first-generation antihistamine. Histamine acting on H1-receptors produces vasodilatation, hypotension, flushing, headache, tachycardia, and bronchoconstriction. Histamine also increases vascular permeability and potentiates pain. Tripelennamine can be used in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, rhinitis, and urticaria, but is now less common as newer antihistamines have replaced it.

Alverine is a smooth muscle relaxant used for the treatment irritable bowel syndrome. Alverine may increase calcium influx during action potentials due to inhibition of the inactivation of L-type calcium channels, but may also suppress evoked activity by inhibiting the sensitivity of contractile proteins to calcium.

Maropitant (trade name Cerenia in the U.S. and other countries), used as maropitant citrate is a neurokinin (NK1) receptor antagonist, which was developed by Zoetis specifically for the treatment of motion sickness and vomiting in dogs. It was approved by the FDA in 2007 for use in dogs, and was later approved for use in cats. Maropitant also has anti-nociceptive (analgesic) properties. Maropitant inhibits binding of substance P to NK-1 receptors. Substance P is an emetogen experimentally, and is found endogenously, along with NK-1 receptors, in the emetic center, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and in vagal afferent nerves in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ethyl acetate is a widely used synthetic solvent. It is used in cosmetics and considered to be safe. Ethyl acetate is cited as a direct and indirect food additive as detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations. Ethyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a synthetic flavor and/or adjuvant; limitations on concentrations of use were not specified. Ethyl acetate was tested for in vitro in human breast cancer cell line and demonstrated considerable cytotoxicity.