The cutaneous reactions of commercially available absolutes, concretes and extracts used as raw materials in the fragrance industry were examined in detail. Using epicutaneous and photo patch tests on undiluted products, the concentration at which the irritant activity and phototoxicity was no longer observed was determined for 42 different raw materials. Further-more, the allergic reaction to the test substances by subjects previously sensitized by Peru balsam oil and/or perfumes and other fragrance materials also was determined. It was found that extracts that should be used at restricted concentrations because of their phototoxic or irritant activity were the absolutes of Aleppo pine needle, juniper, Kuberose laurel leaf, nutmeg, tarragon (estragon), rae, clove bud, jasmin, sage, lavender, lavandin, thyme, immortelle and wild chamomile.