Hypoallergenic claim on the product pack indicates that the cosmetic product is formulated with carefully chosen ingredients. Typically ingredients known to have allergenic potential are avoided in such formulations. Therefore, such cosmetic products are less likely to cause allergic reactions and are suitable for people with skin sensitivity.

Not really. Hypoallergenic does not mean FREE from allergens. This is because, individual response to ingredients can be different based on how their immune system responds to such exposure. Chemicals differ in their allergenic potential. Some chemicals have more probability of causing a reaction in a larger population such as poison ivy or pollen. Whereas some hair colourants can affect only few people but are tolerated by most of the users. Some ingredients cause allergy only in presence of ultra violet rays. Hypoallergenic status is therefore a relative potential to sensitise.

Any chemical will sensitise someone, somewhere. Do you know that some people are allergic to even water? This is a very rare condition called aquagenic urticaria. Since allergy is individual specific, unfortunately there is not standardised regulation nor test for the term hypoallergenic. The best options for you are to read the product labels for manufacturer’s formulation criteria, refer the ingredient list to check if you have known allergy to any of its ingredients. In case of allergic reaction, patch tests are recommended to identify the culprit ingredient.

As hypoallergenic products are formulated to avoid common known allergens, they are more gentle. However, individual responses to any product can be different. It is best to read the product ingredients and for specialized products, approach a dermatologist for a personalised advice.

Absolutely. You should not worry about the efficacy just because the products are hypoallergenic. There is not compromise on efficacy while ensuring safety of such products. Of course, choose a credible and trusted brand

Most common allergens include fragrances, certain preservatives, and dyes. Therefore you would observe that many gentle claims or hypoallergenic claims are made for products that are free from fragrance and / or free from preservatives. Broadly speaking there are five types of common allergens in cosmetic products and they are – natural rubber, fragrance ingredients, preservatives, dyes or chemicals in dyes and colour additives, metals

In my personal view, there is no reason why hypoallergenic products should be more expensive ! In fact, it would not have certain ingredients as compared to other products such as fragrance and preservatives etc. Having said that the two primary reasons for charging a premium for these products are firstly, this is a special requirement’ for people with sensitivities and they would pay a premium to buy these ! Secondly, formulation of such products could be tricky to maintain the aesthetics and organoleptic properties intact such as overall look, feel and in use experience. But Hypoallergenic claim is very enticing for a consumer, driving purchase and thus increasing the market value of such products.

Yes, many jewellery brands offer hypoallergenic options made from nickel free, cobalt free or hypoallergenic metals to prevent skin reaction. If you are allergic, you can opt for high carat Gold Jewellery or platinum jewellery. Be careful not to go for platinum jewellery that has added base metals to make it more affordable in excess of 15% .

The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to irritation. Some eye make up like mascara and eye liner can come directly in contact with the mucous membrane and allergic reaction can result in a lot of discomfort. Hypoallergenic eye make up reduces these risks, if you can not avoid eye make up. In our next blog, we would feature some of the hypoallergenic cosmetic brands, particularly hypoallergenic mascara and hypoallergenic eye liners such as Maybelline and Clinique

If you are allergy prone, you ought to be careful and start gradually when using any new product or switching brands. Get introduced to one product at time, so that you don’t increase the variables to rule out potential reaction. After observing how your skin reacts or responds to each product, build your repertoire of products.