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 […]

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 […]