The global beauty industry is massive with a projected value $758 billion in 2025. It is estimated that 42% of the market is through skincare products alone and it makes sense. Our skin is one of the first things we consider when we examine age or other conditions that affect our appearance. Blemishes on the skin are a common experience by all; acne, pimples, redness, rashes, etc. These are all aided by skincare products such as lotions, creams, ointments, and more. It makes sense that the industry would be dominated by skincare products. What about if you are allergic to cosmetics?
While there are a plethora of products out there for all different use cases, it is a fact that some people with some products, experience allergic reactions. These reactions are often minor but not conducive to healthier skin, to say the least. It’s important to note that the overwhelming majority of these fall under the category of contact dermatitis, which is to say that the allergy is a result of direct skin contact as opposed to some kind of physiological reaction within the body.
How to Know if You Are Allergic to Your Cosmetics
Cosmetic allergies—or allergies to various beauty products are not unusual. Despite rigorous research and development alongside testing for products and their base ingredients, a small percentage of people may have a mild allergic reaction to certain ingredients.
The development of a rash can be alarming, but considering that this happens to women much more than men—and women are the primary consumers of beauty products such as makeup, it is not surprising that this is the case.
We can assume that most ordinary rashes are some product that is not playing nice with our skin, though you should see your PCP or dermatologist just in case. Most allergic contact dermatitis looks like a dry, red, and itchy rash that is difficult to soothe with creams or lotion. Thankfully, discontinuing use of the allergen typically resolves the dermatitis. However, when a person is trying and buying different products all of the time sometimes it can be difficult to discern where the problem is coming from.
Hives, flaking or peeling skin are also symptoms of an allergic reaction to a product.
What to Do If You’re Allergic to Cosmetics
If you are in that situation, we recommend trying an elimination approach, starting with the latest product you have added to your regimen. Cut that product out and wait, if the rash persists or develops again, cut the next. Continue to do this until the culprit is found. This approach is useful for discerning which products are causing the issue without totally stopping your whole routine.
If you’re still having trouble determining where the problem is coming from, a patch allergy test may come in handy. This study details a group that was patch tested for allergens that may be responsible for their dermatitis. Sure enough, 76% of the selected group was having some kind of reaction to a product they were using.
While it’s certainly not true that all cases of dermatitis are cosmetic oriented, there are many mild-irritations and skin conditions that many people suffer through without realizing it is their choice of product that is causing it.
The lesson? Eliminate products in your regimen or speak to your doctor or dermatologist about getting a patch test so you can know which products will help you rather than hurt you.
Most Common Allergens in Cosmetics
There are a tremendous amount of cosmetic products out there in the world—as stated before, but ultimately many of them use many of the same foundational ingredients. This is why Phoenix Chemical emphasizes building your products with the best cosmetic raw materials possible because it is these ingredients that truly provide your product with its primary characteristics.
- Natural rubber (latex)
- Fragrances and scents
- Preservatives
- Dyes and color additives
- Metals
These are the most common culprits in cosmetics that cause people allergies. Fragrances especially have a history of being an allergen, particularly because they are a catch all term for an often proprietary blend of ingredients that make up that scent.
For an in-depth list of common allergens from these categories, the FDA has a page on it.
Phoenix Chemical is here to provide the best cosmetic raw ingredients that we can for those looking to either make their own cosmetics or for brands looking to create a product or source ingredients. We believe that a strong foundation is necessary for anything good, and so we pride ourselves on the quality of our cosmetic raw ingredients. Most importantly, Phoenix Chemical is an experienced service provider of custom synthesis for cosmetics. This means that if you have a particular product that allows individuals that are sensitive or allergic to cosmetics with known common allergens to use it, we may be able to help you in creating it.
Contact us today to learn more about our products or how we can help you create products for your market.
