COFFEE (FRESH): Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Coffee: Coffee is not on published allergen lists. But avoid instant coffees (“just add water”), as some do contain allergens.  Fresh, and as an ingredient in skin care, coffee is a great source of antioxidants and is not on common allergen lists. If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your […]

BRASS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. If it also contains nickel or other allergen-metals, that’s a different story, but unlike many metals, brass, in its original form (with copper, zinc, sometimes tin) is not (currently) on the published list of the most common allergens. If it contains nickel, cobalt, or chromium (the most common metal allergens), however, it […]

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 […]

Can’t Calm Rosacea? #candew!

Can’t make a moisturizer for über sensitive skin? #candew! 25% of women who have rosacea associate their skin irritation with the use of moisturizers.* Red Better Daily Therapy Moisturizer isn’t only ultra-gentle (sans all 76 common allergens) but also features specific therapeutic benefits like anti-cathelicidins,** anti-inflammatories and antioxidants (all important for rosacea management) and anti-microbials to target […]