Some ingredients in skincare products can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation. Sensitive skin is easily irritated, prone to redness and may result in allergies, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and even atopic dermatitis. However, there are skincare ingredients that are not advisable for sensitive skin. Take a look at your labels, here are some common skincare ingredients to avoid:
1. Lanolin
This is a popular ingredient in skincare products because it is a great moisturizer. Still, it can be highly irritating to the skin because of its natural content of wool wax acids, known as irritants. It is derived from sheep’s wool and can cause some people breakouts, itching and redness. It also may cause stinging and inflammation. While it is a great skincare product if you have sensitive skin you might want to avoid it.
2. Retinoids
They are the most popular anti-wrinkle ingredients in skincare products but can irritate sensitive skin. These ingredients, like retin-A and tazorac, come with their own set of problems. They are highly sensitizing and can lead to broken skin irritation, dryness and peeling. They also can cause purging or tingling. Research shows that they are not as effective as once believed, and they can be very painful to use. Also, they can cause severe skin irritation, burning, redness and itching.
3. Cocamidopropyl betaine
This ingredient helps to thicken products, making them easier to apply, but it can cause skin irritations. This ingredient is derived from coconut, but allergic reactions are still common. It can trigger skin irritation and redness, flaking and itching, and is often a trigger for eczema and psoriasis flare ups.
4. Propylene glycol
Properly formulated skincare products containing propylene glycol may not cause irritations, but many available skin products contain more than the recommended ingredient level. This ingredient may cause allergic reactions in some people, and it should be avoided if your skin is sensitive. It also slows down the penetration of other beneficial ingredients in skincare products.
5. Ethanol
This ingredient can be an irritant for sensitive skin and is used in some skincare products to create an oily or watery texture or to make the product feel “oily” on the skin. It is also used as a solvent in some skincare products. It can irritate the skin, causing redness and rashes, and it may cause allergic reactions in some people. It is best to avoid using this ingredient if you have allergies, eczema or psoriasis.
6. Fragrances
While they are sometimes added to make skincare products smell and feel better on the skin, these extracts can be irritating to sensitive skin. Fragrance may trigger allergic reactions, aggravate existing skin conditions and lead to irritations, rashes and redness. To avoid this ingredient, use lightly fragranced body wash and fragrance-free lotions.
7. Essential oils
Some people are more sensitive to these oils than others, but these oils can have inflammatory and irritating effects on the skin. Some of these ingredients, like tea tree oil, cedarwood oil and peppermint oil, should be avoided if you have sensitive skin. These oils can also trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, itching and redness.
If you have sensitive skin, it is important to avoid the listed ingredients above. If you feel you cannot live without these products, try to find similar items that will not trigger your skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. Always look for skincare products with unscented ingredients and those labeled “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free”. Also, read the ingredient lists on skincare products before buying them to determine whether they are safe for you to use.
