The Ingredients Responsible For Adverse Skin Reactions To Cosmetics

What do we really know about the products intended to make us look so beautiful?

Itchiness, irritation, and erythema (redness) accompanied by excessive facial perspiration are all signs of an adverse skin reaction to cosmetics.

I take a look at a selection of substances known to be responsible for adverse reactions in hypersensitive skin and, how our quest for perfection can easily result in dry blistery patches of irritation, ruining our looks completely:

• Lanolin: This is a fatty substance which acts as a softening ingredient in creams and is similar to the sebum used to coat sheep's wool.

• Eosin: A red staining pigment often contained in lip cosmetics.

• Mineral Oils: Ingredients such as oleic acid and butyl stearate can easily aggravate hypersensitive skin.

• Paraben: This is an antiseptic ingredient often used as a preservative in cosmetics.

• Perfumes: Perfume is added to the majority of cosmetics and is a common sensitiser causing allergic reactions. Ingredients such as bergamot, lavender and cedarwood are often the main culprits responsible for adverse skin reactions.

• Alcohol: Often found in skincare products and cosmetics, this strong grease solvent and astringent can easily irritate sensitive skin.

• Cobalt Blues: These are the pigments used to produce the colour in eye cosmetics.

• Pearlising agents: These ingredients are used in pearlised products to create an iridescent (light reflective) effect.

• Gums: Often found in a variety of cosmetic products, gums act as adhesive and binding ingredients. 

In cases of adverse skin reactions, remedial action should always be taken to prevent the problem from escalating in severity. This can be achieved by the removal of the offending product prior to applying a soothing preparation to the effected area.

Hypo-allergenic products are a great alternative for hypersensitive skins. Although the colour range of these particular products is more limited, they are perfume free and contain fewer pigments and preservatives in comparison to the standard cosmetics available. 

I always recommend investing in a selection of good quality hypo-allergenic products to clients with a history of adverse reactions or, who suffer from high sensitivity to prevent further skin problems arising.