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 […]
More “Ow” Than Glow? Skin Allergies Are More Common Than Ever
Sensitive Subject: Make that subjects. Lots of them. 1 in 4 people is allergic to common skin care and cosmetic ingredients. And, like eczema and other allergies, this number is on the rise. Below, we go through skin allergies by the numbers and what you can do to prevent reactions. Want even more details, data and sources? Check out One […]
Watch My Nickel Allergy Happen
Allergies can come and go. Don’t obsess about the chances, but don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself allergic to something you’ve used your whole life.
Get A Patch Test Or Photo-Patch Test
This is one test that can change your life. If you’ve had skin problems for years, a patch test is one of the most powerful tools to help you finally achieve clarity. This painless procedure shows you exactly which ingredients or materials you, in particular, are sensitive or allergic to. A photo-patch test is similar but shows […]
Do You Know It “Oil?”
What do you really know about our cult-fave, ultra-popular, organic, first-cold-pressed virgin coconut oil? Up to 4: Number of coconuts needed to make one large bottle of Know-It-Oil. Other oils that use heat or chemical processing need less coconuts to make a liter. We use traditional methods in a slow, manual, minimal process to maintain the […]
Smooth Operator
The smoothest move you’ll ever make for parched skin.