RUBBER FLIP-FLOPS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Rubber flip-flops, slippers, shoes…rubber is one of the top allergens and can also cause problems in rubberized plastic. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. References: Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (based on over 28,000 […]
JEANS: Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Allergen Blue Jeans Blue jeans are a surprisingly common cause of contact dermatitis (and worse). The allergens are the indigo, blue colorants and/or other dyes as well as the “mordants” (chemicals related to metal) used to help the colorant bind to the fabric. The jeans’ cotton fabric isn’t necessarily a culprit, although, with all the chemicals, bleaches, and preservatives […]
WHITE CERAMIC CUP: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. While some mugs can have rubberized plastic handles which can cause contact dermatitis, or metal parts with nickel, a plain white ceramic cup is not an allergen. Cobalt is a strong allergen and is present in pottery clay, which can cause contact dermatitis in pottery workers who handle and form the raw materials (in Management of […]
COCONUT OIL: Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. While there have been some reports of reactions to RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized) coconut oils, there are no reported reactions to virgin coconut oil. The coconut itself is a drupe, not a nut. Click here to learn more about coconut oil, check out: Mythfoliation – Aw, Nuts! Wait…, Is Virgin Oil Comedogenic?, Coconut Or […]
YLANG-YLANG, GERANIUM: Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Both are on the published lists of the most common allergens. Many essential and aromatherapy oils contain natural ingredients that may smell and feel wonderful but are top allergens. This does not mean that you can’t use any of them…it means two things. First, if you have sensitive skin, opt or a non-allergen oil […]
WHITE COTTON TOWEL: Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. White Cotton Towel: While just rough textures in a towel can already be irritating to sensitive skin, pure, unbleached, un- or minimally-treated (such as with chlorine), un-dyed or white cotton is not an allergen. If you have sensitive skin, avoid the towel that’s blue, red, or brightly colored as it probably contains dyes, many of […]
Know-It-Oil – The Studio, Niche Beauty

Our Know-It-Oil clinically-published coconut oil — and our organic farm — are in Niche Beauty’s The Studio! Danke! #skinthusiasm
It’s “Oil” The Same, As Long As It’s Coconut…Right?

Like all food options, there are differences between coconut oils. Read on to learn what’s what, and what to splurge on. What are the different coconut oils? The most common for cooking and industrial use is RBD (Refined, Bleached, Deodorized). Then there is virgin coconut oil, extracted by heat, enzymes, centrifuge, or manually. You can […]
Multi-Function Skin & Beauty Wonders You NEED In Your Bag Every Day!

What skincare and beauty essentials should live in your bag? There’s no one combo that’s ideal for everyone but we know that it’s the multi-function products that save the day! Between work and errands, we know bag space is valuable real estate. Check out our suggestions for the most valuable multi-tasking products to keep in your bag if […]