Tree moss (Evernia Furfuracea) Extract
What are the aims of this patient information leaflet?
This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about your contact allergy. It tells you what a contact allergy is, what causes this allergy and what you can do about it.
What is contact allergy?
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, describes a type of inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis or contact eczema is a term used when this inflammation is caused by direct or indirect skin contact with something in your environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system causes allergy to a very specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin.
What causes your specific allergy?
Your patch tests indicate that you have a contact allergy to Tree moss (Evernia Furfuracea) Extract.
What is Tree moss (Evernia Furfuracea) Extract?
Tree moss is derived from lichens that grows on the bark of firs and pines such as Usnea barbata and Pseudevernia furfuracea. Perfumers blend these lichen extracts to manufacture complex tree moss ‘absolutes’. These fragrances give products an earthy or woody scent. Tree moss can be identified by different names, including: Evernia furfuracea, Tree moss absolute, Tree moss, Pseudevernia furfuracea extract and Usnea barbata extract.
What are some products that contain Tree moss (Evernia Furfuracea) Extract?
The main sensitising fragrance chemicals in Evernia furfuracea are atranol and chloroatranol. Since 2021, these have been prohibited in cosmetics sold in the UK and EU.
In other countries such as the Middle East, Evernia furfuracea may be found (labelled as ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ in:
Perfumes and aftershaves
Cosmetics, including lipsticks
Deodorants
Shampoos and conditioners
Soaps
Moisturizers and body lotions
Sunscreen products
Body powder
Tree moss is also present in nature, so certain groups of people may be exposed, such as tree surgeons, lumberjacks and gardeners. Those who own log burners may come in contact with lichen acids, such as those in Tree moss, via airborne exposure.
Cross-reactions
If you are allergic to tree moss, your immune system may also react to some other chemicals with a similar structure. This is called cross-reactivity. Substances that may cause a reaction in some people with a tree moss allergy include other fragrances such as Oak moss, Balsam of Peru and Cedar. Additionally, Colophony/Rosin, a sticky adhesive derived from pine, found in some plasters/dressings, cosmetics, glues, rosin for stringed instruments etc., can cross react with Evernia furfuracea.
Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert, as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU, where some allergens may not be banned, and fragrances not specifically listed.
Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.
How can I manage my allergy?
This means that you should avoid putting products containing Tree moss (Evernia Furfuracea) Extract onto your skin in the future.
You should avoid applying products containing Evernia furfuracea to your skin in the future. Avoid contact with natural sources of similar chemicals, such as lichens on logs.
Self-care (what can I do?)
Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU where some allergens may not be banned.
Created: 2026