Safe Skincare Products
When I was first diagnosed with eczema and skin allergies, I switched all of my skincare products. I never knew how many allergens are in products we use every day. It is so confusing to sift through all the information. It took me a lot of time to figure it all out. This post will hopefully help you navigate all the skincare products out there, and determine what is best for your allergy needs.
What Are the Most Common Allergens in Skincare Products?
Skincare products contain many different ingredients. Some of those ingredients are actually allergens or harsh chemicals. These can increase symptoms and flare-ups for those with eczema and other skin allergies. The most common allergens in skincare products are Parabens, Formaldehyde, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Quaternium-15, and Nickel. If you have food allergies, also check for products containing, wheat, soy, or nuts. All of these allergens are in many bath soaps, deodorants, moisturizers, shampoos, make-up, and nail polish.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Products labeled hypoallergenic mean the manufacturer claims the product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones on the market. This sounds great, but it does not necessarily mean hypoallergenic products are better for your skin. The government does not have standards that products must meet to label them as hypoallergenic, and companies are not required to do testing. Some companies do testing and some don’t. It’s impossible to guarantee a skincare product will never cause an allergic reaction.
What Does Natural Mean in Skincare?
The word natural is similar to hypoallergenic. A brand can label a product natural no matter how many potentially harmful ingredients or allergens are in the product. Again, there are no government regulations for the use of natural products.
Finding the Best Skincare Products for Eczema and Sensitive Skin
First, look for products with the fewest ingredients. The fewer ingredients a product contains the better the chance you will avoid potential allergens. Next, don’t rely on labels, like hypoallergenic and natural. These labels do not equal allergy-free. Another tip is to do your research on specific brands you want to try. Contact the manufacturer if necessary. While this takes time, it will help you avoid a possible reaction or flare-up. A great resource I found is the website SkinSafe. This lists allergens and ingredients in many skincare and beauty products. I highly recommend trying it. It will save you a lot of time. Finally, do a patch test on products before use.
How to Do a Patch Test
Doing a patch test just means you are testing a product on an area of your skin to determine if you will react to it or not. To do a patch test, pick an area of your skin (I usually use the inside of my forearm or inside my elbow). Clean the area, and then dry it completely. Next, apply a very small amount of product to the area. Wait for about 24 hours. If there is no reaction, apply the product to an area near your face, such as underneath your jawline. Wait another 24 hours. If there is no reaction, you can assume the product is safe for you to use.
Below is a list of products I personally use and love. I have no affiliation with any of the brands listed here.
Allergy-free make-up
I use 100% Pure. This brand contains no allergens or harsh ingredients. It also is gluten-free. Once I tried this make-up I fell in love with it. It feels like silk on my skin.
Another brand is Afterglow. This brand is also gluten-free. I used it in the past and liked it too. Both of these brands are sold online.
Lotion for Allergy Skin
There are so many lotions and moisturizers out there, it took me a while to find one I liked. Here are my favorites.
I use the brand Vanicream. It comes in a moisturizing cream and a lighter lotion. I use both. I especially like using moisturizing cream in the winter. It’s great for dry hands and feet. I also use Vanicream bar soap, facial cleanser, and shave cream. This brand is free of allergens and is gluten-free. You can find this brand online at Amazon, or nationalallergy.com. I also find it at Target, Walmart, or Walgreens. The only downside is it’s a little more expensive than other brands.
Allergy-free sunscreen
It took me a while to find a sunscreen I like. I have used Vanicream sunscreen, and it works, I just found it to be a little too thick. I like sunscreen with a lighter feel. My new favorite sunscreen is Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen and Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen. Technically, this sunscreen is made especially for babies and kids. It protects well and is very light. I also love that this brand has spray sunscreen. This brand is available online. I have not yet found it in stores in my area.
Allergy Face Cream
If you’re looking for a face cream, I recommend Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer. I like this product because it also has sunscreen and it’s free of allergens and is gluten and soy-free. It is very light and helps protect dry skin. This is available at Target, Walmart, or your local drugstore.
Allergy-Free Haircare Products
I use Vanicream for my haircare products. I use shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and hairstyling gel. You can purchase these online at Amazon or at NationalAllergy.com. I also find these products at Target and Walgreens.
Additional Resources
American Academy of Dermatology Eczema Resources
I sincerely hope this post helps you with the very difficult task of finding the right skincare products for your unique allergies. If you want more information about eczema, skin allergies, and other products check out my post from last week, Living with Eczema.
Leave me a comment and let me know if you try any of these products. I would love to know what you think. Also, please tell me if you have a product you love. I’m always interested in learning about new products.
Blessings, Laura xo
The health information in this post is provided for general education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for a diagnosis and should never be used for specific medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for questions, concerns, or treatment.
2 Comments
Awesome information!
I don’t have eczema…but I get a very eczema rash like thing around my eyes and on my eye lids. Cetaphil helps for sure but I swear they are always cracking with dry skin. I might need to try the Vanicream.
Also, a great product is the MakeUp Eraser. The softest micro fiber cloth that when wet with warm water wipes away ALL makeup. This takes my liquid eyeliner off effortlessly and I love it!
Hi Meg. Thanks for your comment. The Vanicream really helps with dry, cracked skin. Thanks for the info. about the Makeup Eraser. I will have to check it out. Let me know how the Vanicream works out. Laura