ESTROGEN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Estrogen This sex hormone is produced by our bodies and plays an important role in human reproductive systems. It can also be taken orally, via transdermal patch, gel, spray, cream, or injection. While there is a condition called estrogen dermatitis and some case reports of systemic contact dermatitis to orally taken estrogen, […]
GLYCERYL STEARATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Glyceryl Stearate Considering how common this ingredient is in cosmetics and personal care products, that it is not published as a top contact allergen speaks to its safety (the more common an ingredient is, the higher the likelihood of it becoming a contact allergen). Glyceryl stearate is from two other non-allergens glycerin […]
SODIUM PHYTATE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Sodium Phytate This skin-safe synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid is derived from rice and oat bran is not in published lists of top contact allergens. In skincare, it is used as an antioxidant, as a booster for other actives, a hydrator, and as a chelating agent. When using products […]
ACNE PATCH, PIMPLE STICKER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Acne Patch, Pimple Patch Also called hydrocolloid patches for pimples, the hydrocolloid part is actually pretty well tolerated. It’s the other materials of the patch that have some top contact allergens, many of which are similar concerns in bandages, medical tapes, dressings, transdermal patches and continuous glucose monitors. This does not mean you should […]
BEEF TALLOW: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen … but can cause reactions Beef Tallow Proteins tend to not be 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. Read more on possible allergic reactions to beef here. Beef tallow became trendy […]
GOLF: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Golf It’s certainly got its fans but make no mistake, golfing has many, many top contact allergens and other things that can cause skin problems. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t play it — just make sure to be guided by your patch test (and follow other best practices; see below). Some of […]
MOUTHWASH: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Mouthwash “Mouthwash” isn’t something you’d see on your patch test but many ingredients popular in lots of mouthwashes are top contact allergens, including: Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride which, while not a top contact allergen, can be highly irritating or toxic at specific concentrations and there are many ways it can negatively affect skin. […]
CONTACT LENSES: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Contact Lenses In terms of skin contact allergy, reactions to contact lenses are fairly low but contact lenses (and the contact lens solutions necessary for their care) do tend to contain some top contact allergens. We’d suggest extra caution if you’re considering colored contact lenses and/or if you’ve patch tested positive to certain substances […]
MAKEUP SPONGE, BLENDER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Makeup Sponge, Blender While some makeup sponges and blenders may be better or worse, depending on your specific patch test results, most contain at least some top contact allergens. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use any of them. It means that you should be guided by your patch test results and be prepared to […]