88 Allergens. Zero Compromises. Skincare Designed for Sensitive Skin.

Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products for its moisturizing and emulsifying properties. However, it can cause skin issues for some people, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Propylene glycol is a common cause of contact dermatitis, which can lead to redness, itching, and inflammation, especially in people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

With repeated use, some people may develop increased sensitivity, even if they didn’t experience issues initially. Over time, the skin can become more prone to irritation.

Certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition or existing skin conditions that make them more susceptible to irritation from propylene glycol.

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a solvent in many personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and lotions.

Although it is not intentionally added, it can be a byproduct of the manufacturing process, particularly in products containing ethoxylated ingredients.

Some people may experience skin irritation from 1,4-dioxane, especially those with sensitive skin, leading to redness, itching, or inflammation.

Prolonged exposure to this chemical, even in small amounts, is also considered a possible carcinogen, which increases the concern for long-term use. In addition to irritation, individuals with sensitivities or allergies may develop rashes or hives.

Acrylates are a group of chemicals commonly used in personal care products, such as lotions, sunscreens, and nail polish, for their ability to form a flexible film on the skin or hair.

While they are effective at providing a smooth, long-lasting finish, they can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Acrylates may lead to irritation, redness, itching, and rashes upon contact, especially when used in high concentrations or in people prone to skin sensitivities.

In some cases, prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions, resulting in more severe skin conditions such as dermatitis.

Bacitracin is an antibiotic commonly used in topical ointments to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

While it is effective for treating small wounds, some individuals may experience skin issues due to an allergy or sensitivity to bacitracin.

This can result in redness, itching, swelling, or rashes at the site of application. In more severe cases, an allergic reaction can lead to contact dermatitis or hives.

Balsam of Peru is a resin derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree, commonly used in perfumes, cosmetics, and topical treatments for its pleasant fragrance and healing properties.

However, it can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies to the compound.

Balsam of Peru is known to be a potent allergen, and exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, swelling, or rashes.

People with existing conditions like eczema or psoriasis may be more prone to irritation.

As a fragrance ingredient, it can also trigger allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities to perfumes or other aromatic compounds.

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees and is commonly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and candles due to its moisturizing and protective properties.

While generally safe for most people, some individuals may experience skin issues from beeswax, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies to bee-related products.

For these individuals, exposure to beeswax can lead to irritation, redness, itching, or swelling, especially in products applied directly to the skin.

People with a history of allergies to bee stings or other bee products (such as honey or pollen) may be more likely to experience a reaction.

Behentrimonium chloride is a conditioning agent commonly found in hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

It is used for its ability to smooth the hair, reduce static, and improve manageability.

However, some individuals may experience skin issues due to sensitivity or allergic reactions to this compound.

When applied to the skin or scalp, it can cause irritation, redness, itching, or rashes, particularly for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.

Benzalkonium chloride is commonly used in skincare products as an antimicrobial agent.

While effective at preventing bacterial growth, it can cause skin issues for some individuals.

It may lead to irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

Prolonged or frequent use can also result in contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by skin inflammation and discomfort.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) are synthetic antioxidants commonly used as preservatives in skincare products to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.

While they are effective at stabilizing products, some individuals may experience skin issues from exposure to these compounds.

For sensitive individuals, BHT and TBHQ can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, or rashes.

Some people may also develop allergic reactions, particularly if they have sensitivities to other chemicals or preservatives.

Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of irritation or dermatitis, especially for those with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema.

Carbamates are commonly used in skincare products as preservatives, stabilizers, or emulsifiers.

These chemicals can help enhance texture and prevent microbial growth, but they may cause skin issues for individuals with sensitivities.

People prone to allergic reactions might experience irritation, including redness, itching, or a rash, especially in products containing higher concentrations of carbamates.

Prolonged exposure or use of carbamate-containing products on broken or inflamed skin can lead to more severe reactions like contact dermatitis.

Cobalt is a metal that is used in various products, including cosmetics, skincare items, and even jewelry, for its vibrant blue color or as a stabilizer in some formulations.

While cobalt is generally safe for many people, it can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to cobalt can lead to contact dermatitis, which is characterized by redness, itching, swelling, or a rash.

In some cases, it can cause more severe allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to metals or have a history of skin sensitivities.

People with metal allergies, especially to nickel or cobalt, may be more likely to experience a reaction. Cobalt has also been linked to more serious skin conditions, such as eczema or allergic contact dermatitis, when exposure is frequent or prolonged.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant and mild cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. It is commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers for its ability to help products foam and cleanse the skin.

While it is generally considered safe for most people, cocamidopropyl betaine can cause skin issues for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.

Some people may experience skin irritation, including redness, itching, or a rash, especially in those with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is also known to potentially cause allergic reactions, as it contains amide derivatives, which are chemical compounds that some individuals may react to.

Prolonged use or exposure to products with high concentrations of cocamidopropyl betaine can lead to contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

Distearildimonium chloride is a conditioning agent commonly used in hair care products like conditioners, shampoos, and styling products.

It helps improve the texture and manageability of hair by acting as an emulsifier and anti-static agent.

While it is effective in these roles, some individuals may experience skin issues, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Distearildimonium chloride can cause irritation, including redness, itching, or rash, especially in people who are prone to reactions from quaternary ammonium compounds.

For people with pre-existing conditions like eczema or psoriasis, exposure to distearildimonium chloride can exacerbate irritation or trigger contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by inflamed, itchy skin.

Since distearildimonium chloride can have a cumulative effect, prolonged or repeated exposure may increase the likelihood of irritation.

Dyes are synthetic or natural colorants used in a variety of cosmetic and skincare products, such as lotions, shampoos, and makeup, to provide vibrant colors.

While dyes are generally safe for most people, they can cause skin issues for some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Certain synthetic dyes, particularly FD&C or D&C colorants, are more likely to trigger reactions.

Skin reactions can include redness, itching, swelling, or rashes, particularly in products that are applied to sensitive areas, such as the face.

Dyes, especially artificial ones, can sometimes contain additional chemicals or compounds that are irritating to the skin.

Contact dermatitis can occur with prolonged or repeated exposure, causing inflammation or discomfort.

Some people may also be allergic to specific dyes, leading to more severe reactions like hives or blisters.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents are commonly used in personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, hair straighteners, and cosmetics, as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.

However, these chemicals can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Formaldehyde itself is a known irritant and sensitizer. Direct exposure to formaldehyde or its releasers can lead to skin irritation, including redness, itching, rashes, or dryness.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to formaldehyde or products that release formaldehyde over time can lead to contact dermatitis.

Formaldehyde-releasing agents, such as DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, or Imidazolidinyl urea, are used because they slowly release formaldehyde to keep products free of bacteria.

These ingredients can cause reactions similar to direct formaldehyde exposure, especially in individuals who are more sensitive or have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Fragrances, including masking fragrances, are commonly used in personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and deodorants to provide a pleasant scent.

While these ingredients can enhance the sensory experience of a product, they are among the most common causes of skin issues, particularly for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, contain complex mixtures of chemicals, some of which can trigger skin irritation.

This may result in redness, itching, dryness, or rashes, especially in people with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Masking fragrances, which are added to cover up the odor of other ingredients, can be just as irritating as the primary fragrance in a product.

For individuals with fragrance sensitivities, prolonged exposure to products containing these ingredients can lead to contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes discomfort and visible irritation.

Additionally, some fragrance components are known allergens and may cause more severe reactions like hives or swelling.

Gluten, peanut, and soy are common allergens that can cause skin reactions in some individuals when present in skincare products or cosmetics.

These ingredients, though more commonly associated with food allergies, can also trigger reactions through skin contact, especially for those with sensitivities or allergies.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten in skincare products can lead to skin irritation, such as rashes, redness, or itching, particularly in individuals with existing skin conditions like eczema.

Though the risk of absorption through the skin is low, it can still cause irritation on sensitive skin.

Peanut allergies are primarily a concern with food products, but peanut-derived oils or ingredients may appear in some skincare products, particularly those claiming moisturizing benefits.

Even trace amounts of peanut oil in cosmetics can cause allergic reactions for people with peanut allergies, including hives, swelling, or itching, which may worsen if the individual has a known sensitivity.

Soy is often used in skincare products as a moisturizing agent or emollient. For people with soy allergies, skin contact with products containing soy-based ingredients can lead to redness, itching, or more severe allergic reactions, including hives or contact dermatitis.

Lanolin alcohol is a mixture of alcohols derived from lanolin, which is a wax-like substance obtained from the wool of sheep.

It is commonly used in skincare products, such as moisturizers, creams, and lip balms, for its emollient and moisturizing properties.

While it is generally safe for many people, lanolin alcohol can cause skin issues, particularly for those with sensitivities or allergies to lanolin or animal-derived ingredients.

For individuals with lanolin sensitivity, exposure to lanolin alcohol can cause skin irritation such as redness, itching, and rashes.

In some cases, it can lead to contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes swelling and discomfort.

Allergic reactions to lanolin alcohol are relatively uncommon but can occur, especially in people with a history of reactions to other animal-derived ingredients.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is a preservative commonly used in personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and facial cleansers to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.

While it is effective at preserving products, MCI is a known skin irritant and allergen, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.

Exposure to MCI can lead to skin irritation, including redness, itching, burning, or swelling, especially for people with conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

For individuals with an allergy to MCI, reactions can be more severe, leading to contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.

This preservative has been linked to sensitization, meaning repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of developing an allergy over time.

Neomycin is an antibiotic commonly used in topical ointments and creams to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

While it is effective in treating localized infections, neomycin can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies to the antibiotic.

The most common skin reactions to neomycin include redness, itching, swelling, or rashes at the site of application.

In more severe cases, it can lead to contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by skin inflammation and discomfort.

Neomycin is a known allergen, and some people may develop an allergy to it after repeated use, which can result in more intense reactions such as hives or blisters.

Nickel is a metal commonly found in cosmetics and skincare products, often used in alloys or as a component in fragrances, colorants, and preservatives.

While many people can use products containing nickel without any issues, it is a well-known skin allergen for a significant number of individuals.

For those with a nickel allergy, contact with nickel can lead to skin irritation such as redness, itching, swelling, or rashes, particularly in areas where nickel-containing products are in direct contact with the skin, like jewelry or certain makeup.

The condition, known as contact dermatitis, can be aggravated with prolonged exposure or frequent contact with nickel-containing items.

Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and personal care items to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, extending the shelf life of products.

While effective in preserving products, parabens can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies.

For sensitive individuals, parabens may lead to skin irritation, including redness, itching, swelling, or rashes, especially when used on the face or in areas with delicate skin.

Additionally, allergic reactions to parabens, although rare, can occur, causing more severe symptoms like hives or blistering.

Parabens, such as methylparaben and butylparaben, are also known to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone function, which is why some people choose to avoid products containing them due to concerns over long-term exposure.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols) are a group of synthetic compounds commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products as emulsifiers, thickeners, and solvents.

They help to improve the texture, consistency, and spreadability of products like lotions, shampoos, and cleansers.

While generally considered safe for most people, PEGs can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin types, PEGs can lead to irritation, including redness, itching, or rashes, especially when used in higher concentrations.

Since PEGs are water-soluble, they may also increase the skin's permeability, allowing other potentially irritating ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, which can exacerbate irritation.

Allergic reactions to PEGs, though rare, can also occur, leading to more severe symptoms like hives or contact dermatitis.

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative commonly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and personal care items to prevent the growth of bacteria and extend product shelf life.

While it is considered a safer alternative to parabens, phenoxyethanol can still cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.

For those with sensitivities, phenoxyethanol can lead to irritation, including redness, itching, or rashes, especially on delicate or broken skin.

Prolonged exposure or higher concentrations can also increase the likelihood of irritation. In rare cases, individuals may experience more severe allergic reactions like hives or contact dermatitis.

While phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe in concentrations up to 1%, those with sensitive skin or a history of allergies should check product labels carefully.

Potassium sorbate is a widely used preservative in cosmetics and skincare products.

It helps prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, thereby extending product shelf life.

For sensitive individuals, potassium sorbate can lead to skin irritation, such as redness, itching, swelling, or rashes, especially when used in higher concentrations.

Though rare, allergic reactions to potassium sorbate may occur, causing more severe symptoms like contact dermatitis or hives.

Those with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema may be more susceptible to irritation.

Silicone and dimethicone are synthetic compounds commonly used in skincare and hair care products for their smoothing, conditioning, and moisturizing properties.

They form a protective barrier on the skin or hair, which helps retain moisture and provides a silky, smooth feel.

While they are effective for many people, silicone and dimethicone can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

These ingredients can sometimes clog pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, or pimples, especially when used in products designed for the face.

For individuals with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, silicone and dimethicone can cause irritation, including redness, itching, or dryness, due to the occlusive nature of the ingredients, which traps moisture and potentially harmful substances on the skin.

Though rare, allergic reactions can also occur, causing more severe symptoms like hives or contact dermatitis.

Sorbic acid is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and food to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.

While it is generally considered safe for most people, sorbic acid can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive or allergic skin.

For sensitive individuals, sorbic acid can lead to irritation, including redness, itching, or rashes, especially when used in higher concentrations or on sensitive skin areas like the face.

It may also cause contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy skin. Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea may be more susceptible to irritation.

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are commonly used in personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers for their ability to create foam and cleanse the skin.

While they are effective at removing dirt and oil, sulfates can cause skin issues for some individuals, especially those with sensitive or dry skin.

Sulfates can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, itching, and redness, particularly for individuals with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.

The harsh cleansing action of sulfates may disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier, exacerbating existing skin issues or causing new irritation.

In some cases, prolonged use of products containing sulfates can also lead to contact dermatitis, which causes inflamed and uncomfortable skin.

Tocopherols, commonly known as vitamin E, are a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties.

They are widely used in skincare products for their ability to protect the skin from free radical damage, as well as to moisturize and soothe the skin.

While tocopherols are generally considered safe for most people, they can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies.

For individuals with sensitivities, tocopherols can sometimes cause irritation, including redness, itching, or rashes, especially if the product contains high concentrations of vitamin E.

Allergic reactions are also possible, although they are rare, and can result in more severe symptoms like contact dermatitis.

Those with a known allergy to nuts or certain plant-based products may be more prone to reactions, as tocopherols are often derived from plant oils, such as soybean or sunflower oil.

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent used in various personal care products like soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, and hand sanitizers to reduce or prevent bacterial growth.

While it is effective at killing bacteria, triclosan can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.

For sensitive individuals, triclosan can lead to skin irritation, including redness, itching, or swelling, especially when used frequently or in high concentrations.

Prolonged exposure to triclosan can also disrupt the skin's natural microbiome, potentially leading to an imbalance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, which can exacerbate irritation or skin conditions.

Additionally, triclosan has been linked to concerns about hormonal disruption and potential environmental impact, as it can accumulate in the body and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

While rare, allergic reactions to triclosan can occur, leading to contact dermatitis or more severe symptoms.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a chemical compound commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products as a pH balancer, emulsifier, and surfactant.

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve the texture of products like lotions, creams, and shampoos.

While TEA is generally safe for most people, it can cause skin issues for some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.

For sensitive individuals, TEA can lead to irritation, such as redness, itching, or swelling, especially in products with higher concentrations.

Prolonged or frequent exposure to TEA-containing products may result in contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation, dryness, and discomfort.

Additionally, TEA can interact with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potentially harmful compounds that may irritate the skin and cause long-term concerns.