People with delicate skin or who are allergic to some components of cosmetics benefit a lot from hypoallergenic makeup. However, not all products bearing this label are guaranteed.
Hypoallergenic makeup is the order of the day in the market. It is sought after by people who have sensitive skin or who have shown reactions to items that do not carry this label.
The problem is that the concept of hypoallergenic is very general. In practice, it is not regulated.
Many of the best cosmetic brands have lines of this type. But to what extent do they deliver what they promise?
When hypoallergenic makeup is authentic, it offers great benefits for those with delicate skin. In those cases, components with potential risks to cause irritations or allergies are eliminated or reduced.
What is hypoallergenic makeup?
Hypoallergenic makeup includes cosmetic products that, in the opinion of their manufacturers, contain fewer irritating or potentially allergic substances than normal makeup. In theory, they have been tested to guarantee these properties.
Cosmetics are made with different components, such as pigments, emulsifiers, metals, resins, preservatives, minerals, and perfumes. Some people with sensitive skin react negatively to one or more of these ingredients.
In these cases, inflammation, itching, redness, eczema, and tearing occur. In short, there is an irritation that becomes severe. Those who produce hypoallergenic makeup reduce or eliminate the components that most cause these problems. In particular, one or more of the following:
- Alcohol.
- Retinol.
- Petroleum.
- Phthalates.
- Sulfates.
- Aluminum.
- Fragrances.
- Parabens.
- Diethanolamine.
- polyethylene glycol.
- Synthetic dyes.
Why use it?
Hypoallergenic makeup is created for sensitive skin, with acne or scars. Also for those who are allergic to any of the components of normal cosmetics. However, anyone can use these types of products.
It is important to note that none of these cosmetics is 100% neutral. Even so, the usual thing is that they reduce the risk of irritations or allergic reactions. Anyway, there are people who do not tolerate this type of makeup either.
The thing to be most careful about is the use of eye and lip products. These include shadows, pencils, setting powders, highlighters, mascara, etc. What is indicated is to make sure that they do not contain any type of heavy metal.
Choosing the right hypoallergenic makeup to reap its benefits
This means that no specific parameters have been established to determine if a cosmetic has hypoallergenic properties or not. Therefore, it only remains to attest to what each manufacturer indicates on the labels.
That said, the best way to check if a product is suitable for delicate or sensitive skin is to take a good look at the label. It is important to see if it contains components that can cause irritation and in what proportion.
Ideally, those who have had allergic reactions to cosmetics should be clear about what element or ingredient produces that effect. If this has not been established, the entire list of risky ingredients should be taken into account, and make sure to use makeup that does not contain them or only has them in a minimal proportion.
Those products made from natural substances, such as aloe vera or almond oil, are closer to hypoallergenic makeup. All these articles are usually less aggressive with the skin.
Some tips to know how to choose
The most relevant recommendation is to read the label very well before buying hypoallergenic makeup. In particular, caution should be exercised when purchasing products that contain the following substances in a high proportion:
- Alcohol.
- Retinol.
- Aluminum.
- Alpha hydroxy acids.
- Essential oils.
- Natural or synthetic fragrance.
- Chemical sunscreens.
The above are the elements that most often cause irritation. The important thing is that, if they are present, their percentage is very low in relation to the other components. If the proportion is high, it is not really a hypoallergenic makeup.
Hypoallergenic makeup can be recommended by a doctor
Hypoallergenic makeup is usually a bit more expensive than classic makeup. However, the price difference does not have to be very high.
It is important to keep in mind that there are not a few companies that use the hypoallergenic makeup label as a sales argument, but they do not guarantee that they are actually less aggressive. Therefore, do not be fooled and refrain from buying these products if there is any doubt.
People who have skin problems, especially if they are severe, should consult a dermatologist before purchasing the cosmetic. A doctor is able to recommend specific products that do no harm.
