Skin Reactions to Beauty Products

Most people can safely use most beauty products -- but that does not mean most beauty products are problem-free. Skin reactions and other allergic problems associated with beauty products occur fairly frequently.

In fact, according to the FDA, almost all cosmetics can cause a reaction in some people. In one survey the FDA conducted, up to 25% of people reported a skin reaction to one or more beauty products.

Problems can range from simple skin irritations or rashes to full-blown allergic reactions. Symptoms can arise after several uses or sometimes occur spontaneously after years of use with no problems.

Skin reactions to beauty products are divided into the following two categories:

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common skin reaction to a beauty product. It can result in burning, stinging, itching, and redness in the area where the product is applied.

If skin is dry or injured, it loses some of the natural barrier protection against irritants. This means reactions can be harsher or occur more easily.

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

In this case, a sensitivity or a true allergy to a specific ingredient in the product causes redness, swelling, itching, or blisters on the skin. The most frequent causes include fragrances and preservatives.

In terms of fragrances, it's important to note that even products that say they are "unscented" could contain a masking agent -- essentially, fragrance used to cover up chemical scents. While you may not smell it, it's there, and could cause an allergic reaction.

To ensure no perfume is included, look for products marked fragrance-free or without perfume.

Virtually any product that contains water must contain some preservatives. The most common are parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde. All have been linked to skin allergies.

Beauty Products Most Likely to Cause a Skin Reaction

The beauty products most likely to cause skin reactions include bath soaps, detergents, antiperspirants, eye makeup, moisturizers, permanent wave lotion (particularly those containing glyceryl monothioglycolat), shampoos, long-wearing lip stains, nail polish (particularly those containing formaldehyde), and fingernail glue containing methcrylate.

Hair dyes can also be the source of skin reactions, particularly those containing p-phenylenediamine as well as ammonium persulfate used to lighten hair.

In addition, beauty products containing alpha-hydroxy acids appear to be problematic for some people. The FDA has received reports on redness, swelling, blisters, burning, bleeding, rash, and itching after use of products containing AHAs, particularly those with a concentration over 10%, or with a pH (acid level) of 3.5 or under.

In some people, Retin-A wrinkle creams and serums can also cause irritant contact dermatitis.

Further, many people have what is called "sunscreen sensitivity." In these people, almost all sun-protection products can cause a dermatitis-type reaction. If this is the case for you, talk to a dermatologist about how to best protect your skin from the sun.