Understanding Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic is a very common term that you more than likely have seen on many cosmetics and other products. Hypoallergenic products can be seen practically anywhere around the world. When you see this term, you more than likely feel relieved and safe to know that the product you are looking at has passed a test and it safe for your skin.

The term is not regulated by the FDA, but what does that mean for you? Kelly's Health is here to help you find out.

In order to understand what this term means, you must understand that this term is actually a fluff word that is used merely to make products more marketable. In fact, hypoallergenic carries no standards and practically any product can be claimed as such.

Almost every cosmetic and fragrance contains the same or similar ingredients. How much of the ingredients and how the method in which the ingredients are used is what allows cosmetics to be different and allow for different ways in which a product can be created and then delivered.

A vast majority of cosmetic companies do try to regulate what they consider hypoallergenic. In the '70s the government tried to control the use of the term and what exactly is means to be hypoallergenic, but legislation failed. Even then, however, the term had a loose definition.

Hypoallergenic basically means that any product that could be proved to be safer than any other products, in which the ingredients cause less adverse reactions, is "hypoallergenic". As you can see this term has a very broad definition and there are many, many different interpretations depending on the company or individual.

So what does this mean for you?

When you search for the right cosmetics for your skin, hypoallergenic products are usually much safer for your skin, compared to products that do not claim to be hypoallergenic. Finding the right products are a trial and error type of search; however the results will be worth your time.

Before trying out any new cosmetics or products that are hypoallergenic, first apply a small amount to hidden skin somewhere else on your body, preferably less sensitive parts such as your arm or leg. If you do not have a reaction, you can therefore assume that you can use the product without any problems on more sensitive skins, such as your face.

Understanding “Hypoallergenic”

Hypoallergenic is a common word seen all over cosmetics and other products around the world. When we see the term hypoallergenic, we feel safe and secure believing that the product has passed some sort of regulatory testing to prove it is safer and more gentle for sensitive skin.

The fact is that the term hypoallergenic is not regulated by the FDA. But what does this mean for you?

To understand what this means to our cosmetics and other products, we must understand that hypoallergenic is a fluff word. A fluff word that is used for no other purpose than to market products. With no regulatory standards for the term, virtually any product can contain this label.

When it comes down to it, most cosmetics and fragrances are made of similar ingredients. What changes is the amount and the method by which that product is created and delivered.

The majority of cosmetics companies do attempt to regulate the use of the word hypoallergenic. In the 70s, legislation was passed to try and control the use of the term, but the legislation subsequently failed. But even then, the term had only a loosely fitting definition.

Hypoallergenic was a termed that could only be applied to a product that could proved it was safer than similar products causing less adverse reactions. As you can see, that in and of itself was a broad definition with a lot of room for interpretation.

What does it mean for you?

When you are searching for cosmetics that states hypoallergenic; you are usually searching for a brand that is less harsh on your delicate skin. One of the only methods is trial and error. However, the rewards are well worth the time spent.

When testing to see how that hypoallergenic cosmetic will react to your body, try a hidden spot on your body in a small amount. If you do not have a reaction, you know to try it to more delicate parts such as your face or neck.