Why You Shouldn’t Trust Hypoallergenic Skin Care
People with allergies and sensitive skin tend to prefer hypoallergenic skincare products. After all, these are supposedly less likely to cause reactions.
But what does that really mean? A recent study analyzed 187 cosmetic products that boasted labels like “hypoallergenic,” dermatologist recommended/tested, and fragrance-free. The researchers tested these products for 80 different allergens. Here’s what they found:
It’s Not a Legal Definition
When we see a product claiming to be hypoallergenic, it means that a company believes the product will cause less allergic reactions than other products. However, there’s no standard testing that a product must pass to be considered hypoallergenic, and there’s no requirement that any company make such claims. This is a common marketing tactic used to sell products, but it’s important for people with allergies or sensitive skin to understand how it works and be skeptical of any claims made about the safety of a product.
In an attempt to clear up confusion about what “hypoallergenic” meant, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a regulation that would require companies making hypoallergenic claims to prove that their products were safer by conducting comparison tests. The proposal was met with strong opposition from cosmetic manufacturers, who claimed that the requirements would be too costly. Ultimately, the FDA abandoned its attempts to establish such regulations.
Despite the fact that there’s no legal definition of what makes a product hypoallergenic, many brands will tout their commitment to creating safe products by listing any tests that have been performed on the products they sell. Some will even boast of having been tested by dermatologists and allergists, but it’s important for consumers to be aware that just because a label says “hypoallergenic,” does not necessarily mean the product is free from any potential allergens or irritation triggers.
The term “hypoallergenic” does not actually appear on any ingredient lists, so it’s up to individual consumers to read the labels of the products they buy. Often, there’s no guarantee that a product will actually be hypoallergenic, as different people are allergic to a wide variety of ingredients. Therefore, it’s important for people with allergies or other sensitive skin to do their own research before buying a product or investing in a service.
If you’re looking for a new skin care or makeup, check out Dermstore’s curated collection of hypoallergenic skin care products. We carry only the best professional products, backed by rigorous testing by the most trusted brands in beauty and health. If you’re concerned about the safety of a specific product, contact our client services team to speak with a member of our legal department for more information or guidance in your case.
It’s Not a Definition of Allergens
Anyone who’s dealt with allergies or major skin sensitivities can understand why they might want to use hypoallergenic products. But there’s no regulated definition of the term, and even products with the label can still cause reactions in some people. That’s why it’s always important to read labels carefully and patch test before you make a purchase.
Manufacturers can put the word “hypoallergenic” on their skin care products if they claim that the product causes fewer allergic reactions than other products do. But the Food and Drug Administration has no way to back up these claims, because a federal court struck down FDA’s attempt to regulate the term in 1978.
That’s not to say that manufacturers don’t try to support their hypoallergenic claims. Many companies will conduct skin patch testing to determine whether their products irritate or cause allergies in people with sensitive skin. They’ll also make an effort to avoid ingredients known to trigger allergies or sensitivities, including fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.
But these efforts aren’t foolproof, and it’s possible for any company to produce a product that doesn’t cause a reaction in some people. It’s also impossible to guarantee that a product will never cause an allergic reaction, as there are so many potential allergens that can affect different people differently.
When it comes to choosing the right skin care for your needs, there’s no substitute for consulting with a dermatologist. A doctor can help you identify what your allergies and sensitivities are, then recommend products that’ll give you the best results. And if you’re concerned about what’s in your current products, consider switching to a new brand that’s made without common irritants and goes through rigorous allergy testing. You might find that a switch to hypoallergenic skin care can help reduce your skin’s irritation and inflammation, and give you a clearer, healthier complexion.
It’s Not a Definition of Ingredients
Using hypoallergenic skin care products can be very helpful for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. When shopping for skin care, it’s important to carefully read the labels and check if any potential allergens are listed. However, despite the popularity of hypoallergenic skin care products, the label is not legally regulated and doesn’t necessarily mean the product will be free of any allergens. In fact, there is no definition of the term hypoallergenic and it can mean different things to different people.
A lot of people trust that a product with the word “hypoallergenic” on its label will be free of any ingredients that could cause them to have an allergic reaction. They may be able to avoid some of the common causes of skin irritation, such as perfumes, dyes and preservatives. Hypoallergenic products also tend to be gentler on the skin, which can be good for those who have a condition such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
The problem is that there is no legal definition for the term “hypoallergenic.” Instead, it’s a marketing ploy. It is up to individual manufacturers to decide what they want the label to mean. While some companies will voluntarily put their products through a barrage of high-quality allergies tests, others will not. In the end, the only thing that is regulated is that cosmetic claims have to be truthful and not misleading, but they do not need to be tested for accuracy before going on the market.
In the end, it’s up to consumers to take control of their own health and wellbeing when it comes to choosing skin care. A good way to do this is to look for any information on product testing and research and be sure to always read the label. It is also a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for advice when it comes to specific skin conditions, as they can help identify potential allergens and recommend products that will be gentler on the skin.
It’s Not a Definition of Safety
Many beauty products have label claims such as “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free,” or “for sensitive skin.” However, there is no standard that these products must meet in order to be considered hypoallergenic. The term is a marketing strategy and not a guarantee that the product is safe. Cosmetic chemists Erica Douglas and Victoria Fu of Sister Scientist explain how this works and why you shouldn’t trust the hypoallergenic claim on a product.
When a product has an allergen in it, the body’s natural defenses create small reactions under the skin, such as redness or dry patches. These reactions can be very uncomfortable, especially for clients with compromised health or sensitive skin. Using hypoallergenic skin care products reduces the risk of these reactions, making it easier for your client’s skin to look and feel healthy.
Even if your client doesn’t have sensitive skin, there are still benefits to using hypoallergenic skin care. Allergens can irritate the pores and create dark spots or blotches, and they are also known to cause acne. Using hypoallergenic products will prevent these problems and help your client’s skin to look clear and fresh.
Although there is no official definition of hypoallergenic, some companies do perform clinical testing to prove that their hypoallergenic products are safer than others. Regardless, when you are shopping in the drugstore it’s hard to know if the product that is sitting next to yours has been tested for hypoallergenicity or not.
A good way to determine if a product is truly hypoallergenic is to read the ingredients. If a product has a long list of chemicals, it is likely that it is not a hypoallergenic product. Also, if you or your client suffers from allergies or contact dermatitis, it is important to avoid products that contain fragrance, formaldehyde, and certain preservatives. Keeping these things in mind will help you to find the best hypoallergenic skincare products for your client’s needs. Regardless of whether your client has sensitive skin or not, you should always read the ingredient labels on all products. This will ensure that your clients are getting the most out of their beauty routines.
