Orris Root

Orris is a powder obtained from the root of the iris flower; it was used previously in many kinds of cosmetics because it has a pleasant odor, its color is like that of the human flesh to which it clings firmly, and it holds its scent for a long period of time.

Cosmetics which contain no orris root are advertised as non-allergenic; however, no cosmetic can promise to be totally allergy-free. Commercial sources for orris-free cosmetics include: Elizabeth Arden, Botay, Mary Dunhill, Armand’s Sympathy, Max Factor’s Pancake, Ar-Ex Cosmetics, Almay, Marcille, Mansfields.

The mother of a child who is sensitive to orris should throw away her old powder puff and should not allow a barber to use any kind of cosmetic powder on the child’s head or face after a hair-cutting.

Cottonseed

After cotton is harvested, the fibers are separated from the seeds. The fibers may still contain some seeds, which can cause an extremely dangerous form of allergy. The following should be avoided:

Linters: The short cotton fibers clinging to the seeds and used as stuffing in high-grade mattresses, cushions, upholstery fillings, coarse cotton yarns, and to make miniature golf courses.

Hulls: Used in feeding beef and cattle (milk obtained from cows fed these hulls is a highly dangerous source of cottonseed allergy).

Cake: Used in feeding cattle, as fertilizer, or as flour to make doughnuts.

Oil: Used in making oleomargarine and mayonnaise (in general, this oil is a very weak allergen).

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