Beauty and the Beasts
One should be aware of the allergens present in beauty products that cause mild to severe allergic reactions in people
Cosmetic products such as hair bonding adhesive, face and body paints, adhesives of eyeliner, and eyelashes have latex and many people need to be made aware of its presence. Allergic reactions can vary from some irritation to severe anaphylactic shock.
Before diving straight into the topic, let us know about allergens. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergy or an allergic reaction. This is mainly because, in some people, the immune system recognises allergens as foreign particles; hence, it causes a response. The immune system gets triggered due to allergens.
Many substances are used to make cosmetics ranging from soaps to fragrances. It is also to be noted that allergy is not common to all. Some products may suit one, while others may cause an allergy to another. And allergies can develop in people at any age.
As listed by the FDA, some of the common allergens used in cosmetic products are classified into five categories: natural rubber, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and metals. These allergens cause allergies due to the use of the products.
Natural Rubber
Cosmetic products such as hair bonding adhesive, face and body paints, adhesives of eyeliner, and eyelashes have latex and many people need to be made aware of its presence. Allergic reactions can vary from some irritation to severe anaphylactic shock.
If any of these cosmetic products have latex, then one can check the composition of the products. Suppose the labels of the products mention ingredients such as natural rubber latex, natural latex rubber, rubber latex, natural latex, latex rubber, natural centrifuged latex, natural liquid latex, aqueous latex adhesive, and latex, then , you can be sure about the presence of natural rubber in the product.
You may use or not use the product based on your tolerance to natural rubber. On average, only about 1 per cent to 6 per cent of people are allergic to natural rubber latex.
Fragrances
Extensive research conducted by the European Commission listed some 26 fragrance ingredients as allergens. These are amyl cinnamal, amylcinnamyl alcohol, anisyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl salicylate, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, citronella, coumarin, eugenol, farsenol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lyral, isoeugenol, lilial, d-Limonene, linalool, methyl 2-octynoate, g-methylionone, oak moss extract and tree moss extract.
You can know if you are allergic after using any fragranceif symptoms such as hives, itchiness, rash, swelling, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth occur. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis symptoms such as nausea, a rapid, weak pulse, etc., may occur. In that case, consult a doctor or get medical help as soon as possible.
On the safer side, you may patch test before using any fragrance.
Preservatives
As per Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some preservatives are used in cosmetics to increase the product's shelf life. These preservatives are methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, bronopol, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate,quaternion-15 and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are used as preservatives.
Preservatives are used in most cosmetic products. So, check the product's composition, and if you find that any of these preservatives cause a reaction to your skin, then avoid using the product. Also, you can search for some alternatives to those products.
Dyes
Dyes are primarily used in hair dyes.
In dyes, coal tar and p-phenylenediamine are used.
If you use dyes, it is advisable to do a patch test before applying any pigment or colour to your hair. If your skin reacts, then you must discontinue using the product. And if the irritation or the reaction continues, you must seek medical help.
Metals
In cosmetics, metals such as nickel and gold are used.
As per a test conducted, it is seen that most reactions are caused due to skin care products. Also, responses are caused by cosmetics used in nails, perfumes, and hair care products. Emulsifiers are also used in cosmetics. Oleamidopropyl dimethylamine is an emulsifier used in lotions and has been found to be allergic.
The most common skin care product is moisturizer. Although it is considered safe and healthy for some, it contains allergens such as parabens, vitamin E, fragrance, essential oils, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, lanolin, etc. People should be made aware of solid allergens and accordingly use the cosmetics.
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