The last thing anyone wants to experience after applying their favorite cosmetics is an allergic reaction. It might be as subtle as a little redness and as severe as hives, swelling and itchiness. Many of us have sensitive skin, so we’re careful about which products we use, but sometimes even the most common ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. Whether you simply experience occasional surface irritation or your body has a full-blown allergy attack with unbearable symptoms, check out these common allergens in makeup to watch out for.
Phthalates – this ingredient is often found in nail polish and gives it a high level of pliability. Many people suffer from allergic reactions to this ingredient with skin rashes and eczema. Unsure of the ingredients in the polishes at your local nail salon? Take a bottle of Motives® for La La Nail Lacquer with you – it’s completely free of dibutyl phthalate.
Balsam of Peru – is a commonly used ingredient in many cosmetics like foundation, for example. Providing a lovely fragrance, it’s a resin that’s actually made up of a combination of scents, often causing irritation in the form of red or brown streaks when skin is exposed to sunlight. Alternatively, look for foundations and other products that are fragrance-free, like Motives® for La La Liquid Foundation.
Shea Butter – this ingredient may sound like a luxurious moisturizer and many of us actually look for products that include the tropical essence of shea butter, but for anyone with a nut allergy, this ingredient is capable of causing some of the most severe allergic reactions. Looking for something that offers a similar level of moisturizing capabilities, minus the threat of nuts. Give Lumière de Vie® Intense Rejuvenation Crème a try. Boasting vitamin E, this crème will leave your skin hydrate and glowing.
Formaldehyde – while many cosmetic companies have stopped adding formaldehyde to products, it’s still out there because it works as a preservative necessary for cosmetics’ shelf life. Most commonly, these ingredients are found in nail polish, and touching eyes or face before the polish is completely dry can cause a reaction. Motives® Nail Lacquer is an excellent option, since it’s completely free of the irritant-causing formaldehyde.
What allergens does your skin react to? What are some of your favorite alternatives?
