International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

HYPOALLERGENIC PRODUCTS

Hypoallergenic is a word that has been associated with cosmetics for over three decades.  In general, a hypoallergenic product has one less ingredient than a regular product or one ingredient that has been substituted for another.

There are no scientific studies nor is there any required testing in the United States to prove that a hypoallergenic product causes fewer reactions.  Some companies have conducted clinical trials with hypoallergenic cosmetics; however, this does not mean that an individual is allergic to the ingredient omitted nor does it mean that the individual will not react to the product. Hypoallergenic is not synonymous with nonallergenic nor does it suggest that consumers who believe they have sensitive skin will react less to a hypoallergenic product.

Lawrence Charles Parish, MD, MD (Hon)
Philadelphia, PA, USA