In the world of skincare, the term “hypoallergenic” label is often an important point of reference for those of us with sensitive or irritation-prone skin. It refers to products with ingredients or formulas with minimal risk of allergic skin reactions. But does that mean all products with this label won’t cause allergies? To find out, we’ll discuss in detail what hypoallergenic is, why it’s important for sensitive skin, and how to choose the right products to keep your skin healthy and protected.
For those who are curious, stay tuned!
Definition & Benefits of Hypoallergenic Products
In the context of the skincare world, the meaning of hypoallergenic signifies that a product or ingredient has been processed in such a way as to avoid potential skin irritation or allergic reactions. This means minimizing the risk of skin problems that can occur due to certain ingredients.
This is certainly a good thing for individuals with sensitive skin as it can facilitate us to enjoy the benefits of skincare without having to worry about negative reactions. So we can conclude that the main benefit of hypoallergenic products in skincare is to provide a safe solution for individuals with sensitive skin. They can help reduce the risk of irritation, redness, or itchiness that can occur, which is great!
Does hypoallergenic mean a product is safe?
Although skincare labeled hypoallergenic is considered safe and has minimal allergenic ingredients, it is not certain that it is safe for everyone! According to the FDA (Food & Drugs Administration), there is no certain standardization in determining this label. Therefore, each skincare brand can claim their products are hypoallergenic according to their own standards.
Also, we know that everyone has different sensitivities. Not to mention the various histories of problems and diseases in each individual! Given this, it’s pretty much impossible for a product to be suitable for everyone! Even skincare with natural ingredients still has (albeit a small) risk of not being suitable for our skin. So, it’s our duty to always be wise and do our research before choosing a skincare product!
Don’t trust labels or claims without doing your research first!
3 Examples of Hypoallergenic Ingredients in Serenitree Products
What is hypoallergenic in skincare? Serenitree will spill some natural ingredients from our products:
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural oil derived from the meat of the coconut. Rich in healthy saturated fatty acids, coconut oil has been proven to be a hypoallergenic ingredient as well as effective in moisturizing and protecting not only skin but also hair health for example.
The lauric fatty acid content in coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties so that we can avoid skin irritation and infection. It is also mild and easily absorbed by the skin.
- Lavender
This essential oil comes from lavender flowers that have a soothing aroma. Its function in Serenitree products is to provide therapeutic benefits so that we stay fresh and relaxed after use.
But in addition lavender essential oil comes with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. This makes it useful in skincare to relieve inflammation, treat acne, and speed up the skin’s healing process. Very multifunctional!
- Calendula Extract
Calendula is a type of flower known for its natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds in calendula, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, will speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation on our skin.
Calendula extract is also well-known as one of the hypoallergenic ingredients as it rarely causes allergic reactions in most people.
Those are some examples of hypoallergenic ingredients in Serenitree skincare. Plus, all of these ingredients are derived from nature which means there are less side effects or risks to the wearer! However, we must still be careful when choosing new skincare products.
Don’t just trust the label, do your research first!
As we discussed earlier, the hypoallergenic label does reduce the risk of allergic reactions on our skin. BUT, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen! Therefore, we should do some of these tips before using new skincare:
- Check the Ingredients List: This is the most important thing! Always check the ingredient list of your skincare products. Avoid products that contain ingredients that have triggered allergic skin reactions before.
Important notes: Ingredients listed at the beginning of the sequence have higher concentrations than ingredients that appear at the end of the sequence.
- Understand Chemical & Vegetable Names: While some labels use chemical names that sound dangerous, they may not be. Additionally, sometimes plant substances are listed by their Latin name. Example: Lavender content may be listed as Lavandula angustifolia.
- Choose Products that are Free of Fragrances and Dyes: Generally, skincare products without fragrances or dyes have a lower risk of causing allergic reactions. So, this can be a reference in choosing skincare. If you really like skincare with scents, you can choose other alternatives with natural essential aroma ingredients!
- Do a Patch Test: This is no less important. Even when you’ve researched the ingredients in a product, do a patch test before using it! It’s easy, just apply it to a small area of skin first. Apply a small amount of product and observe for 24 hours. If there is no negative reaction, then we can use the product further.
- Avoid Products with Harsh Ingredients: Some ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions in some people. Also, these ingredients are harsh and may cause negative effects in long-term use.
- Consult a Dermatologist: This is the most appropriate and least risky step because a dermatologist can give us advice on what products are right for our skin condition and type.
These steps are especially important if you want to use a new skincare product. The label on skincare products does not guarantee safety, so never let your guard down and always check the label beforehand. Also try to choose from trusted brands and already have BPOM!