What Is "Hypoallergenic" Skincare? Dermatologists Explain the Popular Term

Finding products that work well with your skin can be challenging—especially if you have sensitive skin. Many people turn to "hypoallergenic" products in hopes of finding something that's gentle and doesn't cause irritation. Here's the catch: Even though these products seem to fly off store shelves, there's a bit of confusion over what the term hypoallergenic really means.

To learn more, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists to determine whether products with this label live up to their claims. Keep reading to learn more about what hypoallergenic means, whether you should seek out products with this label, and how to tell if you might be dealing with a skin allergy.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

"The term hypoallergenic means that a product is formulated to minimize the risk of causing allergic reactions," Garshick says. "However, it does not guarantee that the product is completely allergen-free."

Woodruff goes on to explain that while the term hypoallergenic should mean the product is free of ingredients that commonly cause skin allergies (such as fragrances, quaternium-15, and methylisothiazolinone), the term isn't regulated by the FDA, which gives companies the freedom to decide which products they want to call hypoallergenic. Simply put, there are no federal standards that govern how companies use the term hypoallergenic, so it's generally something to be wary of. "Many studies have shown that products labeled hypoallergenic often contain common allergens," Woodruff adds.

Who Should Use Hypoallergenic Products?

In theory, hypoallergenic products—those that truly minimize the risk of allergic reactions—can be a good option for people who fall into the following categories.

• Have sensitive skin.
• Are prone to allergies.
• Have experienced skin irritation from certain skincare ingredients.

Woodruff tells us that hypoallergenic products are a good option for everyone, even if you don't have sensitive skin or allergies. This is because repeatedly exposing your skin to chemicals that cause skin allergies increases your chances of becoming allergic to that chemical over time. "Individuals with conditions characterized by an impaired skin barrier, like eczema or chronic wounds, are particularly at risk of becoming allergic to products they are applying on their skin," Woodruff says. "So it is especially important for these individuals to stick to hypoallergenic products."

How Can I Tell If I'm Allergic to a Product?

If you're allergic to a skincare product, you might experience redness, itching, swelling, burning, or hives. Some allergy symptoms might appear immediately, potentially within minutes, but others may not appear for hours or days. Sometimes, allergies develop over time—meaning you could become allergic to a product you previously had no issues with. For this reason, allergies can be tricky to figure out.

"You can become allergic to something that you have tolerated in the past. Reactions to products are usually not immediate. You might get itchy days after you used a [product] you are allergic to, and the rash doesn't always happen exactly where the product is directly applied," Woodruff explains. "For example, reactions to shampoos often spare the scalp and cause rashes on the eyelids or face, neck, and upper chest or back." 

If you think you might be reacting to a certain product, Woodruff suggests performing a repeated open application test (ROAT). This test involves applying a small amount of the product to your inner arm each day for 2-4 weeks. If a scaly, red, and itchy rash appears, there's a good chance you're allergic to that product. If you're considering doing this test, it's a good idea to speak with a dermatologist and do so under their guidance.

What to Look for When Shopping

"Look for labels that indicate the product is free from known allergens like fragrances, dyes, or preservatives," Garshick says. "Additionally, be mindful of how your skin responds to the product after a few uses."

Keep in mind that the term hypoallergenic on a product label may not be all that meaningful. Woodruff suggests keeping an eye out for the term fragrance-free (note: this isn't the same as unscented) and avoiding plant-based products that contain essential oils. "These contain common sensitizers like hydroperoxide of linalool, which is a major cause of skin allergies at this moment," she adds.

The Final Takeaway

It's important to recognize that seeing the term "hypoallergenic" on a label doesn't guarantee your skin won't react negatively to that product. Because the FDA doesn't regulate the term, and there's no standard definition to tell us what hypoallergenic means, companies can technically slap it on products at their will.

"It is important to note that even products labeled hypoallergenic can still trigger sensitivity in some individuals," Garshick says. "For this reason, it is best for someone with sensitive skin to test a product on a small area to ensure no reaction." That said, some hypoallergenic products can sometimes be a safer bet for people with sensitive skin than products without that label.

For people with sensitive skin, Garshick suggests patch testing in a dermatologist's office, which can be another way to determine if you're dealing with an allergy. Generally, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist if you have any concerns about a skin allergy or need more information on hypoallergenic products.