CHILI (CAPSICUM): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Chili (Capsicum): Chili (capsicum) is an irritant but not an allergen (not on published allergen lists). As an irritant, the amount of capsicum in a product, and how long the product stays on the skin, contribute to how irritating the formulation might be. If you have sensitive skin but are interested in trying chili as an […]
SNAIL EXTRACT (MUCUS): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Snail Mucus: As of the latest publications, snail secretion filtrate (also known as snail juice or snail mucus or snail slime) is not on common allergen lists. Depending on the species of snail, snail secretion filtrate consists of 91% to 98% of water plus a small amount of high molecular-weight glycoproteins. However, allergens can change and it is […]
LIDOCAINE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Lidocaine: Lidocaine is sometimes used to relieve itching and sunburn but it is on published allergen lists. Pain is never fun and this local anesthetic provides welcome numbness before operations, and to relieve pain from certain skin conditions, mouth and throat sores, or genital problems. But if you are sensitive to lidocaine or have a history of […]
SULFATES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Sulfates: “Sulfates” is a pretty broad term that has gotten a lot of bad press. While some of these bubble-producers are proven irritants, they are not on published allergen lists. Sulfates like SLS (Soduim Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) are fairly well tolerated, but there are more reports of […]
THIURAM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Thiuram: What do onions, erasers, condoms, garden hoses, makeup sponges, balloons, sneakers and swimsuits have in common? Many contain thiuram or thiuram mix, or residue from thiuram sprayed on them. What is frustrating about allergens like thiuram is that they can be in so many things that, besides containing thiuram, don’t seem to have anything to do with […]
TALC: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Talc: While there is some buzz around talc, talc is not on published allergen lists. Furthermore, talc is generally recognized as safe for cosmetics. In its pure form, talc is a natural mineral, composed mainly of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Therefore, it is not talc itself but the possible impurities, like asbestos, that are of concern. Asbestiform […]
BACITRACIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Bacitracin: Much as you don’t want to pour gasoline on a fire, you don’t want your wound care to give you a new skin problem! This popular topical antibiotic is an allergen. Bacitracin was even the American Contact Dermatitis Society‘s “allergen of the year” in 2003. Importantly, bacitracin has been a regular in the top ten since 1998. While […]
Can I Use Jewelry If I Have Sensitive Skin?
The simple answer? Maybe. Gold is an allergen but it’s nickel that’s the real danger for those with contact dermatitis. Nickel isn’t just an allergen or a top allergen…nickel is frequently the number one most common allergen on published allergen lists. It is difficult to find metals without nickel in them — even if you […]
VMV Facial Moisturizer – Katelin Sisson in W Magazine
Thank you, Katelin Sisson, for including our facial moisturizer as one of your go-to beauty essentials in W Magazine’s “Good Beauty Tricks from the Founders of Yoga For Bad People“! ?? #SavingTheWorldsSkin ⛑?