The effect of solvent extraction on the lipids of the stratum corneum in relation to observed immediate whitening of the skin.

Irritant contact dermatitis along with an increased transepidermal water loss can result from exposing the skin to solvents. A study of the interaction of various solvents with human stratum corneum was made using thin-layer chromatography. Comparison of 10 solvents (trichloroethylene, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide, n-hexane, 1,2-propanediol, carbon tetrachloride, methyl ethyl ketone, ethanol, acetone, distilled water) showed that 3 solvents (dimethylsulfoxide, 1,2 propanediol, distilled water) did not extract lipids from intact human stratum corneum. The findings are discussed in relation to the visual appearance of skin (whitening) after exposure to solvents.