Can Cosmetics Irritate The Skin?

Figures show that just two decades ago, 15% of contact dermatitis was caused by cosmetics. Today, however, this number has doubled. This means that cosmetics can irritate the skin, and their massive use aggravates this problem.

It is estimated that the cosmetics industry uses about 8,000 elements to produce its products. With this amount, it is therefore clear that one or more of these cosmetic ingredients can irritate the skin. However, it is not easy to discover which one works for a specific person.

Cosmetics can irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction. These are two different processes. Irritation is manifested mainly by redness and inflammation. On the other hand, an allergic reaction causes itching, a feeling of heat, a burning sensation and often blisters.

Can cosmetics irritate the skin?

Of course, cosmetics can irritate the skin. Remember that the skin is the body’s largest organ and is a pathway for the penetration of many chemicals.

Medically, an adverse reaction to an element or ingredient is called contact dermatitis. It can be irritating or allergic.

There is no one hundred percent safe cosmetic. All cosmetics can irritate the skin to a greater or lesser extent. These can be everyday soaps and shaving foams for men, not just makeup products.

Likewise, no one is 100% protected from contact dermatitis due to the use of cosmetics. Of course, people with atopic skin are more prone to these reactions. The same is true for people with a history of rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis.

Irritating ingredients in cosmetics

In general, fragrances and preservatives added to cosmetics are responsible for most skin irritations and allergies. In particular, it has been established that the following cosmetic compounds may be more likely to irritate the skin:

• Ammonia. It is mainly found in hair dyes and perm products. Causes irritation or an allergic reaction.
• Sulfate. It is included in many shampoos in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. It’s important to check the shampoo label after using the product if you feel dry or itchy on your scalp.
• Dyes in eye shadows. Their action manifests itself in redness, inflammation of the eyes and even tearing.
• Retinol. It is the main ingredient in many anti-aging creams. However, it is irritating and dehydrating for some people.

• Salicylic acid. It is mainly found in anti-eczema creams. In some cases, however, it not only increases blemishes, but also causes additional irritation.
• Glycolic acid. Sometimes it causes redness, dryness, or a burning sensation. It is mainly found in exfoliating products. In such cases, it is better to use products with lactic acid.
• Perfume. They are often associated with skin irritation.
• Aluminum and toluene. Aluminum-containing deodorants are often associated with skin irritations. The same also applies to nail polishes containing toluene, formaldehyde or DBP.
• Another. Among the rest, there are ingredients with significant potential for irritation or allergy: Euxyl K-400, Kathon and Peruvian Balm. In  powders in stone ; propyl gallate, octyl gallate and mercury in lipsticks. Nickel sulfate in masks and eyeliners. And finally, thimerosal in eye shadow.

Data to keep in mind

The cosmetic often causes an irritation or allergic reaction, but it cannot be ruled out that the reason for this reaction was some previous problem. When irritation occurs very often or is very intense, a dermatologist should always be consulted.

Irritation usually occurs soon after using the product. Therefore, it is very important to carefully identify the cause of the problem. Sometimes it is enough to just avoid a product that causes a reaction and everything will return to normal.

In addition, cosmetics can irritate the skin if not used properly. They all have an expiration date after which they can cause not only minor side effects, but also infections. These types of products should always be stored in dry and cool places, otherwise they change their composition.

It is also imperative to keep all makeup tools clean. Brushes, brushes, applicators, sponges, etc. should therefore be washed frequently. Moreover, which items are for personal use only and it is not appropriate to make them available to others.