XYLITOL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Xylitol This natural sugar can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Because has around 40% fewer calories and has a lower glycemic index than sugar, and because it is well proven to improve dental health, xylitol is often used as a sugar substitute in some candies, baked goods, breath […]
CALCIUM CARBONATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Calcium Carbonate This naturally occurring substance is all around us, such as in pearls, shells, shellfish skeletons, eggshells and rocks (calcite and aragonite minerals). Calcium carbonate also very common as a dietary supplement, in foods, and in cosmetics. All of this makes the fact that it is not on published lists of […]
BEETS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Beets, Beetroot This gorgeously hued tuber is a popular ingredient in homemade cosmetics and (yay!) is not a top contact allergen. If using it in homemade colored cosmetics, however, do make sure other allergens or irritants are not in the formulation. Subscribe to VMVinSKIN.com and our YouTube channel for more hypoallergenic tips […]
CEMENT (Not Dried): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Cement, Concrete Occupational contact dermatitis is common among construction workers, especially those who handle wet cement due to the presence of both top contact allergens such as potassium dichromate and corrosive irritants like lime. In fact, contact with cement is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in construction workers. Construction workers sensitive to […]
BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER (Blue Tea): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Butterfly Pea Flower Clitoria Ternatea, more commonly called butterfly pea flower, blue tea or blue ternate, is from the Fabaceae family and has gotten lots of attention recently for its beautiful hue and antioxidant properties. Rare for a plant or flower, it is not published as a top contact allergen and is […]
CASTOR OIL (PEG-40): Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen PEG-40 Castor Oil PEG-40 Castor Oil is what is usually used in cosmetics. It is not on published lists of top contact allergens and is not a standard inclusion in patch test trays. That said, there are some things that are good to know and to consider with your contact dermatitis specialist. […]
STEARIC ACID: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Stearic Acid It’s not in standard patch test trays, not in published lists of contact allergens, and case reports of allergic reactions to stearic acid are few and far between. This is impressive considering how popular it is as a cosmetic ingredient (a rule of thumb: the more commonly used an ingredient […]
HYDROQUINONE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but be cautious Hydroquinone This popular skin bleaching cream is neither on published contact allergen lists nor a standard inclusion in patch test trays. But there are reasons to be wary. Hydroquinone is known to cause irritant contact dermatitis (especially in concentrations of 4% and above), so much so that many […]
BEEF, MEAT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but can cause allergic reactions Beef Beef and other proteins are not standard inclusions in patch test trays or published lists of top contact allergens but reactions when handling meat and other proteins, for those sensitive to them, can occur. The risk can be higher for those whose work requires them […]