The Hypoallergenic Myth

There is a huge myth out there that the words 'hypoallergenic' on a product mean that the product is especially good for sensitive skin. The word 'hypoallergenic' simply means that the cosmetic manufacturer decided not to include certain ingredients that they thought a person with sensitive skin might react to. It does not necessarily indicate testing or that you won't react to the product. Additionally, there is absolutely no government regulation in the USA around products for sensitive skin or 'hypoallergenic' products. In fact the FDA says the following on their website (www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-224.html),

“Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics. There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic." The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenic claims to FDA. The term "hypoallergenic" may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning."

If you have sensitive skin, you may use the words 'hypoallergenic' as a starting point to evaluate a product. However, don’t place much emphasis on this. Knowing what you are allergic to and educating yourself are better places to start. If you are sensitive, try to identify what kinds of products you react to and find products with fewer ingredients to help you narrow you're your allergies further.

Use resources like:

• www.safecosmetics.org
• EWG's www.cosmeticdatabase.com and look for products that are in the 'green/safe' range in their cosmetic safety database.
  • This database includes the majority of cosmetic products available today and uses 50 different toxicology and comparative chemical/ingredient databases from not only the USA but other non-profits and countries around the world.
  • As an independent resource, each ingredient in each product is evaluated for safety and takes into consideration if the product’s ingredients have been tested in deemed 'sensitizers' or allergy producers.

If you know that you are sensitive, it's always advisable to try a sample first and do a patch test on your neck, or jaw if possible to test for a reaction. Make sure if you plan this so you don't test on yourself before a big event! Again, like anything you consume, you should investigate your products and educate yourself to empower yourself for every purchase you make.