COBALT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Cobalt A strong, common allergen, cobalt is a naturally-occurring metal, frequently found with nickel, and was Allergen of the Year in 2016. If your patch test showed an allergy to cobalt, avoid it in cosmetics as an ingredient (frequently used as a colorant for makeup), in pottery and cement, as well as in colored […]
VITAMIN E: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Vitamin E Even excellent, well-proven ingredients can be allergens. Such is the case with vitamin E. Found naturally in avocados and green, leafy vegetables, vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant. Topically, however, vitamin E is a common allergen. If you have sensitive skin or your patch test shows an allergy to vitamin E, try […]
SILICONE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Silicone: There are concerns about silicone’s possible impact on the environment, and, in the case of nanoparticles, the possibility of such small molecules penetrating beyond the skin to potentially cause harm inside the body (VMV Hypoallergenics does not use ingredients in nanoparticles in its formulations). But silicones are not on published allergen lists and are normally […]
CARMINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Carmine: It’s a gorgeous color, and used to be a less-allergenic option for pigmenting cosmetics, but carmine has finally made it to the latest published allergen lists. Arguably because it was such a reliable pigment, carmine (derived from cochineal insects) is used in lots of products, from brightly-colored cosmetics to foods like candy, yogurt and […]
BENZOPHENONES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Benzophenones: 2014’s Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, benzophenones are popular in several products because of their UV-absorbing properties. While their most obvious use might be in sunscreens, benzophenones are also used to protect lots of other things that might degrade due to light exposure, so you can find benzophenones in items as diverse as […]
MOSS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Moss: That soothing color and deep scent is magical on walks in the woods, but moss (oak and tree, for example) is part of Fragrance Mix I, a common presence in published allergen lists. Other ingredients that pal around with moss in Fragrance Mix I include cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamon and clove leaves, ylang ylang, nutmeg, geranium, rose, […]
HONEY, BEESWAX, PROPOLIS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Honey, Beeswax, Propolis: Who doesn’t love honey? Honey — in particular raw, wild honey — is such a great treat. But honey, beeswax, propolis (related ingredients) are in published allergen lists. In addition to being common ingredients in cosmetics, you can find honey, beeswax, propolis in nature, around bees and honeycombs, and even in less obvious things […]
CANVAS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Canvas: Strictly speaking, canvas is not an allergen. However, as anyone with clothing contact dermatitis will tell you, it’s not that simple either. Most cloths are treated in some way, and most ways are allergenic. The most common treatments for fabrics include: formaldehyde, various preservatives, dyes, bleaches, chlorine, and “mordants” (metals used […]
Eating Right for Your Skin, Health, and Mind
“Inflammatory dietary pattern linked to depression among women,” says a study out of the Harvard School of Public Health. While more research needs to be done, it is clear that, while inflammation is important to our immune systems, excessive inflammation is linked to a truckload of health concerns (“heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions”) and skin concerns (acne, […]