Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Some of us walk around au naturel on a regular basis, meaning we eschew makeup for a fresh, bare face. To achieve this look, it’s safe to say there’s a minimalistic skin care routine involved. This could include a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer, or SPF cream. Some days may require some subtle concealer or cover-up to hide blemishes and even out your complexion.
The point is, whether you’re using one product or more on your skin, there are reactions to be wary of.
Individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to developing reactions due to allergens found in skin care and makeup products. This can include redness, skin irritation, itchiness, or a breakout shortly after application. These are all common side effects that indicate an adverse skin reaction to a topical product. It’s a smart idea to test new makeup products, such as concealers or blush, on a small area of skin first and wait to see if it’s safe before applying it freely.
However, putting yourself at risk of developing skin irritation or acne whenever you wish to try a new blush or eyeliner is a hassle and can be worrisome, should you get a bad reaction after use. Using hypoallergenic makeup, which is considered to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritate the skin, may decrease the risk of developing skin complications and offer more protection.
“Hypoallergenic” as a term indicates that something is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction or contains fewer allergens. This is especially important, as many topicals we use every day, including makeup, deodorant, soaps, cleansers, and mouthwash, have ingredients that are known to trigger a skin allergy.
Hypoallergenic makeup is known to be gentler on the skin and thus less likely to cause an allergic reaction, which is why it might help people with known allergies to products or who have sensitive skin that gets easily irritated when exposed to new substances. The same goes for those who have skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, which might trigger allergy symptoms and an adverse reaction.
Generally, these products and cosmetics produce fewer allergic reactions than other products in the same category, but it’s important to note that this is also a manufacturer's claim, and there isn’t real evidence to back it up.
“There is no testing or any standard that this claim is required to meet in order to be labeled as such,” says board-certified dermatologist and CEO and Founder of AmberNoon, Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD.
Without the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) processing or testing of products required, it’s hard to know if it’s credible. There might be an internal standard for use within a specific brand or company that can back up the claim, but there’s no way to know for sure. In fact, Dr. Ilyas says that during allergy patch testing, sometimes she finds products labeled as hypoallergenic to actually contain ingredients that are known allergens.
Still, though, if you find that hypoallergenic makeup doesn’t negatively impact your skin, it’s safe to use, and if you do find improvements with use, then it’s well worth the swap! Consumers with very sensitive skin, and even those with normal skin, may benefit from products labeled as hypoallergenic, with the assumption that, to some degree, they are gentler on the skin. And if you’ve tried hypoallergenic products in the past and found success, then you’ve got an answer right there in terms of personal efficiency.
“It’s important to recognize that any product, including those that are hypoallergenic, has the potential to be irritating to the skin or to induce an allergy,” says Anna H. Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and author. For some, these products can dry the skin and cause irritation.
Remember, without a known claim for its ability to be gentle, it’s individualized in terms of skin reaction, effects, and tolerance. The offenders might include sodium laureth sulfate, often found in soaps and cleansers, and bleach solutions. “These products can directly break down the skin, causing it to dry excessively,” says Dr. Ilyas.
Yet, good properties to look for include not just hypoallergenic, but also non-comedogenic. “This means that they will not clog your pores, and when used with other ingredients, such as niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, they can be very moisturizing, as they’re known to be cosmeceuticals,” says Dr. Chacon.
Hyaluronic acid, in particular, is great for anti-aging and moisture.
To support a hypoallergenic skin care and makeup routine, Dr. Chacon advises using a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliation, and serum. Then, with hypoallergenic products and makeup, you’ll be able to retain moisture as best as possible and keep skin fresh.
Dr. Chacon also uses hypoallergenic makeup herself, or at least some product she’s tested before on a small body part, such as the pomelo hand, for makeup application and product. It’s important to remove makeup before going to bed, as it can cake on your face and lead to acne and breakouts. Dr. Chacon advises removing makeup with micellar water or a makeup remover cream.
DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
