Learn the ins and the outs of hypoallergenic makeup with Savers.
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Posted: 08/02/21
You might have heard the term ‘hypoallergenic makeup’ spoken of quite frequently but might not be sure what it actually means. If a makeup product is described as ‘hypoallergenic’, as the name suggests, it means it usually contains less irritants i.e. ‘allergens’ than normal products. The most common irritants in makeup can include fragrance, certain preservatives, and formaldehyde, hence why a lot of makeup-wearers tend to look for ‘hypoallergenic’ on the label, to give them peace of mind.
While makeup was traditionally designed to sit on top of the skin, new longwear formulas – especially serum-like foundations and liquid blushers – have lightweight textures that tend to get partially absorbed into the skin’s epidermis. Hence the need for the label ‘hypoallergenic’, which is often used by many well-known, mainstream makeup brands, together with smaller niche ones, so people can get an idea of whether the product will irritate their skin or eyes.
Who is it good for?
Hypoallergenic makeup is generally considered better for those with sensitive skin that gets easily irritated by things like fragrance. Or if you’ve just had surgery or are recovering from an injury, hypoallergenic makeup is also a good option for skin that’s healing and in a sensitive state.
Plus, if hayfever season means you’ve suddenly developed itchy, watery eyes and inflamed skin which is easily aggravated, you might want to prioritise gentle makeup that’s not going to cause further upset – another reason why ‘hypoallergenic’ is a useful term to look out for when shopping for makeup.
Other people may just prefer to use products that contain less harsh chemicals or synthetic preservatives – particularly around the sensitive eye area – that will be better for both their skin and are less likely to pollute the planet. So hypoallergenic products like mascara or under-eye concealer are particularly appealing to them.
But take care…
There is currently no legal definition as to what constitutes ‘hypoallergenic’. Therefore that label itself isn’t a guarantee that a makeup product absolutely won’t irritate your skin or make your eyes sting. But it should hopefully be an indication that this formula is likely to contain very few or no irritants. If you’re concerned, it’s important to read the ingredients list to make doubly sure.
For example, if you know your skin can become easily irritated by fragrance, look for the term ‘fragrance-free’ (but not ‘unscented’ – this just means that the product contains a ‘neutral’ fragrances designed to mask other smells). Preservatives like parabens and methylisothiazolinone, together with moisturising ingredients propylene glycol and lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool) are other common culprits to bear in mind. Also, if the ingredients list seems to go on forever, it’s usually a warning that it contains a fair few chemicals that are likely to cause a reaction.
What’s more, hypoallergenic should not be confused with the term ‘clean’. While ‘clean beauty’ makeup brands also tend to avoid the same ingredients as hypoallergenic ones, many organic and natural (i.e. ‘clean’) ingredients can also cause irritation, especially essential oils.
If you have skin that’s easily irritated, hypoallergenic makeup could be just what you’re looking for.
What is hypoallergenic makeup?
You might have heard the term ‘hypoallergenic makeup’ spoken of quite frequently but might not be sure what it actually means. If a makeup product is described as ‘hypoallergenic’, as the name suggests, it means it usually contains less irritants i.e. ‘allergens’ than normal products. The most common irritants in makeup can include fragrance, certain preservatives, and formaldehyde, hence why a lot of makeup-wearers tend to look for ‘hypoallergenic’ on the label, to give them peace of mind.
While makeup was traditionally designed to sit on top of the skin, new longwear formulas – especially serum-like foundations and liquid blushers – have lightweight textures that tend to get partially absorbed into the skin’s epidermis. Hence the need for the label ‘hypoallergenic’, which is often used by many well-known, mainstream makeup brands, together with smaller niche ones, so people can get an idea of whether the product will irritate their skin or eyes.
Who is it good for?
Hypoallergenic makeup is generally considered better for those with sensitive skin that gets easily irritated by things like fragrance. Or if you’ve just had surgery or are recovering from an injury, hypoallergenic makeup is also a good option for skin that’s healing and in a sensitive state.
Plus, if hayfever season means you’ve suddenly developed itchy, watery eyes and inflamed skin which is easily aggravated, you might want to prioritise gentle makeup that’s not going to cause further upset – another reason why ‘hypoallergenic’ is a useful term to look out for when shopping for makeup.
Other people may just prefer to use products that contain less harsh chemicals or synthetic preservatives – particularly around the sensitive eye area – that will be better for both their skin and are less likely to pollute the planet. So hypoallergenic products like mascara or under-eye concealer are particularly appealing to them.
But take care…
There is currently no legal definition as to what constitutes ‘hypoallergenic’. Therefore that label itself isn’t a guarantee that a makeup product absolutely won’t irritate your skin or make your eyes sting. But it should hopefully be an indication that this formula is likely to contain very few or no irritants. If you’re concerned, it’s important to read the ingredients list to make doubly sure.
For example, if you know your skin can become easily irritated by fragrance, look for the term ‘fragrance-free’ (but not ‘unscented’ – this just means that the product contains a ‘neutral’ fragrances designed to mask other smells). Preservatives like parabens and methylisothiazolinone, together with moisturising ingredients propylene glycol and lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool) are other common culprits to bear in mind. Also, if the ingredients list seems to go on forever, it’s usually a warning that it contains a fair few chemicals that are likely to cause a reaction.
What’s more, hypoallergenic should not be confused with the term ‘clean’. While ‘clean beauty’ makeup brands also tend to avoid the same ingredients as hypoallergenic ones, many organic and natural (i.e. ‘clean’) ingredients can also cause irritation, especially essential oils.
If you have skin that’s easily irritated, hypoallergenic makeup could be just what you’re looking for.
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