Everyone loves a smooth, flawless makeup look. We want to slay so hard that people take a second to look at us—and that’s perfect! But before you grab just any makeup item from the store, there are a few things you need to consider, especially if you have sensitive skin.
This doesn’t mean this article is only for people with sensitive skin. Of course not. Whether you consider your skin sensitive or not, this is one article you don’t want to miss. Why? Well, let’s say you’ll find out pretty soon.
But first, here’s one secret that I’d like to share with you. It’s a secret that makeup producers and sellers usually don’t want you to know. But trust me, I always want the best for you. 😉 So here’s the secret: NOT EVERY PRODUCT is good for you. While you might think this is general knowledge, it’s a critical fact that almost everyone ignores. Makeup products contain several ingredients, many of which are not good for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. They can cause irritation and several adverse conditions, leaving your skin a shadow of itself.
So, what are these ingredients that you need to avoid? Let’s find out.
Key Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Fragrance
Fragrance is one of the top causes of skin irritation. Often listed as “parfum” or “fragrance” on ingredient lists, this term can encompass a wide variety of synthetic or natural chemicals. But the problem is, you never really know what’s in a “fragrance” because these companies don’t even disclose the exact components of the ingredient.
For sensitive skin, fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, leading to redness, itching, or even rashes. In some cases, the reaction might not be immediate, but sensitivity can develop over time with prolonged use.
Even if a product claims to be “unscented,” it might still contain masking fragrances that neutralize other odours. So instead of choosing any random product, look for products labelled “fragrance-free” and pick them instead.
Alcohol
First, let me say that not all alcohols are bad for the skin. However, some, like denatured alcohol, can be harsh on your skin. This type of alcohol is often listed as SD alcohol, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol, and it is often used in makeup to help products dry quickly. While these products are helpful for creating a lightweight texture for makeup, they can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more susceptible to irritation.
Sensitive skin is already prone to dryness, so using products with drying alcohols can worsen the problem. Over time, this can lead to a compromised skin barrier, which makes the skin even more reactive to irritants.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. While They are effective in this regard, they have been found to potentially disrupt a person’s hormones. Although not confirmed, some research has suggested that parabens may mimic estrogen, which could potentially contribute to hormone-related issues. Also, for sensitive skin, the concern is that parabens can trigger allergic reactions, leading to redness, swelling, or dermatitis.
Sulfates
You see those cleaners that tend to foam? They’re not for you if you have sensitive skin, and this is because they contain sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These ingredients, although effective for removing dirt and oil, can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Sulfates particularly strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and sometimes even an overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Sulfates can also be found in makeup products with foaming action. For sensitive skin types, this harsh cleansing action can compromise the skin’s barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation from other products.
Artificial Dyes and Colors
Brightly coloured makeup products often contain artificial dyes and pigments, many of which can irritate sensitive skin. The thing is, some of these dyes, particularly those derived from coal tar, can cause allergic reactions or even worsen skin conditions like eczema.
These artificial colours are usually labelled as “FD&C” or “D&C” on the product packaging. They are also usually followed by a colour and number. Instead of using products that contain these ingredients, it’s usually best to choose makeup products with mineral-based or natural pigments rather than synthetic dyes.
Silicones
Silicones are often used in makeup, especially primers and foundations, to create a smooth texture and blur imperfections. While these products can provide a nice finish, silicones create a film on the skin that can trap dirt, oil, and other impurities. For someone with sensitive skin, this can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, or irritation.
In addition to clogging issues, some people find that silicones can make their skin feel congested or suffocated. So, if you want to avoid irritation and keep your skin feeling fresh, Silicone-free products are a good alternative.
Mineral Oil and Petrolatum
Mineral oil and petrolatum are commonly used as moisturizers in makeup products, especially foundations and lip balms. However, many of these products are occlusive, which means that they form a barrier on the skin that can trap sweat, bacteria, and other irritants. For many people with sensitive skin, occlusives can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.
Additionally, because mineral oil and petrolatum are byproducts of petroleum, some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to these ingredients.
Lanolin
While lanolin is generally safe for most people, it can cause allergic reactions in some, particularly those with sensitive skin or a known wool allergy. Note that lanolin is a natural ingredient derived from sheep’s wool. It is commonly used in moisturizers and lip products due to its hydrating properties.
However, because lanolin is an animal-derived ingredient, it can sometimes be contaminated with impurities, which can irritate. If you have sensitive skin, avoiding lanolin-based products and opt for vegan alternatives that offer similar moisturizing benefits without the risk of irritation is best.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Formaldehyde is a preservative that can be found in some makeup products and is used to prevent microbial growth. It is a known allergen that can cause skin irritation, rashes, or more severe reactions in people with sensitive skin.
While formaldehyde is less commonly used today, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, quaternion-15, and urea are still frequently found in cosmetics. These ingredients release small amounts of formaldehyde over time, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Essential Oils
I know you’ve heard a million and one things about essential oils—how they improve your skin, etc.
While essential oils are beneficial ingredients in skincare and makeup products, not all essential oils are suitable for sensitive skin. For instance, oils like lavender, citrus, peppermint, and tea tree can be particularly irritating, especially in concentrated forms.
Although these oils have various beneficial properties, they can also irritate the skin, causing allergic reactions, redness, or even burns.
Before you go….
For people with sensitive skin, avoiding certain ingredients in makeup is crucial to maintaining a calm and balanced complexion. This is because sensitive skin is often more reactive to certain ingredients, leading to redness, irritation, breakouts, or other discomforts.
While makeup is designed to enhance natural beauty, some of the ingredients commonly found in cosmetics can aggravate sensitive skin, causing more harm than good. So, it’s best to opt for safe products.
Use products that are labelled as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested—these are usually gentle and safe for sensitive skin.
