Guide to carrying out a patch test when trying new skincare items
In a 2021 study, personal care products caused irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) in 28.8% of males and 39.5% of females. This condition occurs when an external substance damages the skin's epidermal cells, triggering an inflammatory response.
ICD can result from irritation caused by various substances, such as soaps, acids, solvents, and alkalines. Common culprits in personal care products include fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and metals.
Fragrances, widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, are a common cause of allergic skin reactions. Particular fragrances to watch out for include linalool, limonene, and citronellol, found in skin hygiene products and moisturizers.
Preservatives such as parabens, often used to prevent microbial growth in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics, can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe symptoms like anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Hair products and hair dyes may contain chemicals that cause both irritant and allergic reactions. Metals like nickel, found in some cosmetics and personal items, can provoke allergic contact dermatitis. Latex, common in gloves and some adhesives, can also cause allergic skin reactions or dermatitis.
Adhesives and disinfectants, chemicals in glues or cleaning agents, can also cause dermatitis. Other potential irritants include formaldehyde and bleach, sometimes present in personal care or cleaning products.
Children may be particularly susceptible to allergens in sunscreens, shampoos, wet wipes, and glues, with an increasing incidence of allergic contact dermatitis linked to these cosmetic allergens.
To minimize risk, individuals should carefully read ingredient labels, perform patch tests if needed, and be aware that allergic reactions may develop over time even if a product was previously tolerated. If a person experiences severe skin irritation, they should contact a dermatologist or allergist. Seek medical assistance if a rash is bleeding or oozing yellow pus, a rash has not improved after 2-3 weeks, or if a severe allergic reaction occurs.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a product to a small patch of skin, leaving it on for the product's usual duration, and repeating the test twice a day for 7-10 days. To avoid potential allergic reactions to skin care products, search for labels that say fragrance-free. Products labeled unscented may still contain fragrances.
Sources: - GoodRx, Allergic Skin Rash and Contact Dermatitis, 2025-07-22 - Curex, Parabens Allergy: Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment, 2025-07-09 - PMC (NIH), Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a Pediatric Population, 2025-07-10
- The study found that personal care products can cause irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) more in females than males.
- ICD is an inflammatory response triggered by external substances damaging the skin's epidermal cells.
- Various substances can cause ICD, such as soaps, acids, solvents, and alkalines.
- Common culprits in personal care products are fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and metals.
- Fragrances in cosmetics and personal care products can cause allergic skin reactions.
- Linalool, limonene, and citronellol are fragrances to watch out for in skin hygiene products and moisturizers.
- Preservatives like parabens, used to prevent microbial growth, can cause allergic reactions from mild skin irritation to severe symptoms like anaphylaxis.
- Hair products and hair dyes may contain chemicals that cause both irritant and allergic reactions.
- Metals like nickel in cosmetics and personal items can provoke allergic contact dermatitis.
- Latex, common in gloves and some adhesives, can cause allergic skin reactions or dermatitis.
- Adhesives and disinfectants, chemicals in glues or cleaning agents, can also cause dermatitis.
- Formaldehyde and bleach, sometimes present in personal care or cleaning products, are potential irritants.
- Children may be particularly susceptible to allergens in sunscreens, shampoos, wet wipes, and glues.
- Patch tests should be performed if needed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Severe skin irritation requires medical assistance and contacting a dermatologist or allergist.
- The AAD recommends applying products to a small patch of skin for testing before use for 7-10 days.
- To avoid potential allergic reactions, look for fragrance-free labels on skin care products.
- Products labeled "unscented" may still contain fragrances.
- Individuals should be aware that allergic reactions may develop over time even if a product was previously tolerated.
- Leaving a product on for the usual duration and performing two tests a day for 7-10 days can help avoid allergy risks.
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