With our rapidly changing environment, there has also been a rapid increase in the levels of allergen concentration in the air, water, food, and products around us. This has resulted in more people (especially children) developing new allergic triggers, along with worsening of the existing ones.
Thus, it has become ever more important to enter into a new dimension of skincare that can neutralize & protect against these potential triggers. While shopping for sensitive skin care, **“hypoallergenic”*, ‘non-irritant’, and ‘non-comedogenic’ can be indispensable features to look for.
Hypoallergenic skincare formulations are made with zero to fewer active ingredients that are likely to trigger allergic reactions. Compared to other formulas the products that are labeled as ‘Hypoallergenic’ are normally consciously crafted to prevent chances of inflammation, redness, dark spots, and dryness.
**Note from the FDA ‘hypoallergenic’ Hypoallergenic is commonly used to mean “void of allergens”, however the prefix “hypo” means under, beneath, or less than normal. Hypoallergenic implies a less likely allergic reaction, but it should not be taken to mean “void of any allergic reactions”. It should also be noted that there is no standard from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here in the United States to prove a product is hypoallergenic. If you are worried about a product containing an allergen you will react to, the safest thing is to read the label in search of the allergen, do not simply trust the “hypoallergenic” label.
Here is a complete guide on why and how to find the right hypoallergenic formula for your skin type:
What Are Allergens in Skincare?
Allergens are those ‘triggers’ in a product which can provoke allergic reactions. The latter is your body’s over-response to certain substances. It directs your immunological system to release antibodies and other chemical reactions, resulting in the appearance of uneasy allergic symptoms.
The allergic reactions can be in the form of:
Skin redness, Dryness and Patchiness, Peeling, Swelling of the affected area, Hives, Breakouts or Blistering.
Explaining the term “Hypoallergenic”: Though there is no set standard or regulation that a formula must meet for it to be labelled hypoallergenic, a “Hypoallergenic” product simply means – “specific products that produce fewer allergic reactions than other products”. It may often mean formulas that simply lack known allergens like latex, synthetic preservatives (such as parabens) and fragrances, artificial colors and dyes, formaldehyde, lanolin, sulfates, etc.
Note that unscientific usage of certain botanical extracts and essential oils (learn more) can also trigger adverse or allergic reactions. Such triggers may vary from person to person depending on their genetic makeup and skin dosha (the ways to tackle it are explained at the end of the article).
Should You Consider Hypoallergenic Products?
Using “the right” Hypoallergenic products is important, especially if you have sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic products often bring about a sense of relief to individuals who are more likely to develop redness, irritation, acne, rosacea, inflammation, and other sensitive skin issues.
Are Puraveda Organics products Hypoallergenic?
All PVO’s products have been carefully formulated and clinically validated to comply with the needs of hypersensitive skin. Our products are free from all toxic chemicals. We are also a cruelty-free brand.
The natural formulas and their component ingredients are tested on a variety of skin types (including those prone to rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and other sensitive skin conditions) and have also been used by our clients repeatedly without any issues for over a decade.
PVO’s Zero Tolerance for Unclean/Toxic Ingredients
Many toxic/unclean ingredients such as Mineral Oil, Artificial fragrances, and Synthetic Retinols are well-known to have allergy as one of the major side effects.
In compliance with the needs of Clean Beauty and safe skin care, we, at PVO, have zero tolerance towards use of synthetic chemicals and instead use 100% natural and organic ingredients in scientifically proven ratios that are unlikely to cause common allergic skin reactions.
The Test for Hypoallergenicity
Regarding possible allergens in skin care formulations, the best way to prevent an allergic trigger is to learn what you are sensitive to and how to avoid by reading the labels.
While our products are completely safe for all skin types, there is a rare (very small) potential risk of individual allergic reaction, regardless of how pure and natural our formulas are.
This condition applies to all products even if they have been labelled as Hypoallergenic products in all good faith.
To negate the issue and continue using our products safely for the valuable results, we strongly recommend doing a small patch test of any product 24 hours prior to full application upon first usage. This test is particularly crucial if you have known sensitivities. If you have any unpleasant experience such as swelling or itching, whatsoever, discontinue use & contact us for a refund. Such symptoms, if any, should usually subside within a few hours.
Further reading: Regardless of the skin type, here’s a list of the most common toxins in beauty products that you should definitely consider avoiding.
Stay safe and glow with beautiful skin everyday with clinically proven treatments from Puraveda Organics!
