In fact, according to one study, researchers found that most essential oils contain between to chemical components. In particular, they contain many terpenes, like limonene, linalool, and linayl acetate. These terpenes give plants their floral scent, but they are also linked to allergic contact dermatitis.

Lanolin is another natural ingredient that is commonly linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Lanolin is derived from sheep's wool and is used in moisturizing products like body lotions and facial creams. A case of irritant contact dermatitis may be obvious enough that you don't need a doctor to confirm it.

You may be able to figure out that your skin is sensitive to a product simply by tracking what you use , where you use it, and whether or not you have a reaction in that area.

If you're having a mild reaction and you haven't started any new products, try removing one product from your regimen at a time to see if your skin improves.

Eliminating a product that contains fragrance or colorants is a great place to start. It may take two to four weeks before you notice a difference. Excluding preservatives may be problematic, but, over time, you may be able to identify which types of preservatives you are sensitive to and avoid them.

Pinpointing the exact ingredient that's causing you problems may be more difficult. However, unless the reaction is severe, it might not be worth the time it may take to solve the mystery if you've switched to and are happy with new products. Of course, see your healthcare provider if you can't manage your symptoms—even if your case is not severe.

You should also see a skin specialist dermatologist or allergy specialist allergist straightaway if you experience a severe or persistent reaction. They can perform a patch test to see if you are allergic to anything.

Patch tests involve exposure to 20 to 30 common allergens. They are added to patches and applied to the skin. After 48 hours, the patches are removed to check for reactions. The skin is monitored for up to seven days to see if any reaction develops. Most cases of irritant contact dermatitis will go away on their own, provided you stop using the product that is bothering your skin.

You may or may not need a topical medication to ease symptoms in the meantime. Most allergic reactions will also abate on their own, though it will take longer and medication is typically necessary. Severe reactions require intervention to prevent worsening.

While you wait for the reaction to pass, treat the affected area gently. Avoid scrubbing and using perfumed products to prevent irritating skin further. If the area is dry and cracked, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or plain white cream moisturizers e.

Cerave, Vanicream. Although it's tough if your skin is itchy, try not to scratch the area. Give it an opportunity to heal. Your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to control the itch and help the skin heal, if needed.

If you are having a mild allergic reaction involving a small area of red, itchy skin, you can apply you can apply an over-the-counter OTC hydrocortisone cream to the affected area to stop the itching. For larger or more severely affected areas, a doctor may also prescribe a topical corticosteroid.

When the allergic reaction affects an extensive area of skin, your doctor may prescribe a short course of an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone. You may need to take the medication for seven to 14 days, and in some cases longer. Although your skin symptoms may clear up after just a few days, it's important to finish the full course prescribed to ensure the reaction has resolved.

If you have an epinephrine injector EpiPen or Auvi-Q , use it immediately. This is true regardless of whether you are sure you are having an allergic reaction or not. You will still need to get medical attention right away after the epinephrine injection.

The effects of epinephrine wear off within 20 minutes. And since anaphylaxis can return, you will need further treatment and observation.

In addition to epinephrine, you may be given other treatments at the hospital, such as IV antihistamines. Should anaphylaxis affect your breathing, you may need oxygen, or a bronchodilator like albuterol to open your airways.

Without complications, a reaction can last around two to four weeks. This depends on how severe it is and how you treat your skin after it occurs. Allergic reactions to face wash, creams, and other skincare products can be delayed or immediate.

Applying a cool, wet washcloth to the area for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day can help. You might also try taking a cool bath.

Sprinkle baking soda or colloidal oatmeal into the water to give it extra soothing qualities. Consider at least temporarily changing to a milder shampoo and conditioner. Redness may be persisting because your hair care is irritating your sensitive skin.

Pause on using products with possibly irritating ingredients e. You can be allergic to skincare products, but you don't have to be in order for them to cause itchy, red, and dry skin.

Skincare and other beauty products often contain hundreds of ingredients , many of which can slowly strip away your skin's protective and moisturizing barriers. This causes irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms may occur right away or take years of product use to develop.

Unfortunately, it's not always clear exactly what a product contains, which is why many people have turned to creating their own beauty products at home with simple ingredients—propolis, aloe vera, and so on—that they know won't affect their skin.

If you do this, keep them in airtight containers to best preserve them, and throw them out if you notice any signs of separation, differences in texture, or changes in smell. Bains SN, Nash P, Fonacier L. Irritant contact dermatitis.

Owen JL, Vakharia PP, Silverberg JI. The role and diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol. Zaragoza-Ninet V, Encinas RB, Vilata-Corell JJ, et al.

Zeichner, Dr. Lortscher, and Dr. Kauvar, all medical specialists in dermatology, to get their input on the best products and ingredients to seek out. Then, we researched top-reviewed products, deeply examining specs and even testing some ourselves, to find the best moisturizers for sensitive skin.

We also combed through thousands of reviews from shoppers just like you. For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions. Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities.

Her work has been featured in Women's Health , Runner's World , PEOPLE , and more. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina. How to Get Rid of Milia. TheraFace Pro: An Honest Review. The 17 Best Creams for Dry, Puffy Under-Eyes. Experts Share How to Get Rid of Dark Circles.

How to Get Rid of Stress Acne. Pamela Anderson Launches Skincare Partnership. com Medical Review Board Prevention Awards Win.

Skip to Content Health Beauty Fitness Nutrition Life. sign in. BEST WALKING SHOES VALENTINE'S GIFTS FOR HER VALENTINE'S GIFTS FOR HIM BEST HAMSTRING STRETCHES HEALTHY SMOOTHIE RECIPES. Do I have sensitive skin?

Our top picks 1. Pros Gentle formula More than 27, 5-star reviews on Amazon Awarded Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Cons Some reviewers find the consistency a bit thick. Active ingredients: Glycolic acid Free of: Dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, gluten.

Pros More than 4, 5-star reviews on Amazon Delivers 24 hour hydration Calms skin. Cons Some reviewers complain about smell Not best on face. Active ingredient s : Glycerin, mineral oil, oatmeal Free of: Fragrances, dyes, parabens.

Pros More than , reviews on Amazon Clinically shown to keep skin hydrated for 48 hours Goes on smoothly. Cons Some reviewers say irritates acne prone skin. Active ingredient s : Hyaluronic acid, glycerin Free of: Fragrances, oils, dyes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Pros More than 18, 5-star reviews on Amazon Provides up to 48 hours of hydration Works to repair skin barrier. Cons Some reviewers say it can irritate rosacea. Pros Affordable More than 33, 5-star reviews on Amazon Contains niacinamide.

Cons Some say it irritates acne. Active ingredient s : Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide Free of: Oils, fragrances, parabens.

Pros More than 7, 5-star reviews on Amazon Reduces eczema and psoariasis Non-greasy. Cons Pricey. Active ingredient s : Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides Free of: Artificial fragrances, artificial colorants, alcohols, lanolin, gluten, nuts, soy, nanos.

Cons Some users found it irritating on rosacea and other skin conditions. Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin Free of: Animal testing, Parabens. Pros More than 2, 5-star reviews on Amazon Drug-store find Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Cons May be greasy. Active ingredient s : SPF 30, vitamin E, vitamin B3, aloe, pro-vitamin B5 Free of: Oils, fragrances. Cons Some reviewers say formula is slightly greasy. Pros Provides improved hydration in 24 hours Improves fine lines Helps repair outer skin layer.

For anti-allergy purposes, they said many natural extracts offered important functions such as skin barrier repair, TRPV1 inhibition, antihistamine activity and anti-inflammatory activity. For skin barrier repair, the researchers said the tamarind plant [Tamarindus indica Linn.

Guo et al. Show more. Sunbathing at the beach is the first UV-related skin damage that comes to mind. Whereas, enjoying a coffee on a terrace under the sun can be as harmful.

The result? Redness , itching , or stinging. Meet the Experts: Michael Kassardjian, D. Kassardjian, such as eczema , psoriasis , or rosacea.

Sensitive skin is usually pretty dry, too. Some people simply have more sensitive skin than others. If your skin regularly feels or looks red, itchy, or inflamed, you might need to seek out gentler skincare products or speak with a dermatologist to determine a possible root cause or irritation.

Any new sensation of itching, burning, stinging, redness, dryness, cracking, or acne breakouts is worth investigating. Check out our top picks below:. Plus, it has even earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. Free of: Dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, gluten.

If your sensitive skin tends to get itchy , this is the product for you. David Lortscher, M. It works best at night and is ideal for those struggling with a skin condition or severe dryness. Otherwise it may feel a bit heavy for day-to-day use on your face.

Reviewers love the product, too. I read the reviews about how it helps soothe irritated skin. It really worked. Within a few days, my skin had calmed down, and the rash was gone. It also absorbs quickly to lock in moisture. It makes your face feel rejuvenated and moisturized without it being oily.

Highly, highly recommended! It also has glycerin for hydration , a ceramide to decrease irritation , and niacinamide a B vitamin that targets discoloration and redness.

The lightweight cream is also allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic. And Prevention deputy editor Emily Goldman swears by the moisturizer for her sensitive skin. I love it! fats that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

Prevention assistant editor Shannen Zitz loves the lotion. This gentle moisturizer will work magic on dry patches and is even heavy-duty enough to reduce flaking associated with eczema and psoriasis. Enriched with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal extract, ceramides, shea butter, squalane, and feverfew a medicinal plant , this rich cream is fit to use all over your body to soothe irritated skin.

Bonus: It never feels greasy and comes with six ounces of product. I had an eczema flare up around my eye and cheek that another cream had made worse. I was embarrassed to be on Zoom for work like that, so was hoping I could find something to clear it up or at least lessen the redness quickly.

This was IT. Free of: Artificial fragrances, artificial colorants, alcohols, lanolin, gluten, nuts, soy, nanos.

This unscented intensive moisturizing cream has a cult following, thanks to its powerful ingredient list, which includes hyaluronic acid. With over 2, ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars overall, the moisturizer is a shopper favorite. This pleasantly lightweight, oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer from Olay contains soothing aloe, hydrating glycerin, skin-calming niacinamide, and SPF 30 to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin.

Plus, it leaves dull skin looking nourished without leaving behind a sticky, greasy film. While this product may be marketed for bedtime use, many users say they love using it morning and night. The noncomedogenic not pore-clogging formula is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

Plus, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this pick helps moisturize and repair skin simultaneously. Prevention assistant editor Zitz loves this product, too.

I use it both day and night. A great pick for aging skin, the formula also provides vitamin E, essential oils, a ceramide, and glycerin to boost moisture, smooth skin texture, and protect against harmful free radicals that may damage the skin even further.

This non-greasy moisturizer from Avène targets dryness, itching, redness, and irritation , making it a great choice for sensitive skin types.

This completely cleared my skin up within three days of using it. I have never been as impressed with any product as I am with this. Soothe and hydrate sensitive to hypersensitive skin. Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Removes make-up - Soothes - Cleanses.

Tolérance Control Soothing skin recovery balm Strengthens the skin barrier - Calms - Hydrates. Tolérance Control Soothing skin recovery cream Strengthens the skin barrier - Calms - Hydrates.

Tolérance EXTRÊME Mask Sterile Cosmetics® Soothes - Hydrates. Tolérance EXTRÊME Cleansing Lotion Sterile Cosmetics® Removes make-up - Cleanses - Soothes. Tolérance EXTRÊME Cream Sterile Cosmetics® Soothes - Hydrates. Tolérance EXTRÊME Emulsion Sterile Cosmetics® Soothes - Hydrates.

FIND OUT MORE. Nourishing face creams Restorative face care Emollient body creams Lipid-replenishing body care Anti-itching body balms Anti-itching body creams Skincare for dry skin Repairing face care Skincare for very dry skin Body care for irritated skin.

Recognising hypersensitive skin Subject to particular aggressors, the skin on your face becomes uncomfortable, tingling or even tight? In addition to these recognisable symptoms, all hypersensitive skin can react differently. Why does my face flush?

Hypersensitive skin: what should you do? Another essential daily step is moisturising with a minimalist face cream.

Read more Read less. Popin Immersive Diagnostic. Which skin care routine should you adopt? Back to top. EN EN FR. It seems that you are in countryName. Would you like to continue on this website? You can be allergic to skincare products, but you don't have to be in order for them to cause itchy, red, and dry skin.

Skincare and other beauty products often contain hundreds of ingredients , many of which can slowly strip away your skin's protective and moisturizing barriers. This causes irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms may occur right away or take years of product use to develop. Unfortunately, it's not always clear exactly what a product contains, which is why many people have turned to creating their own beauty products at home with simple ingredients—propolis, aloe vera, and so on—that they know won't affect their skin.

If you do this, keep them in airtight containers to best preserve them, and throw them out if you notice any signs of separation, differences in texture, or changes in smell. Bains SN, Nash P, Fonacier L. Irritant contact dermatitis. Owen JL, Vakharia PP, Silverberg JI. The role and diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Am J Clin Dermatol. Zaragoza-Ninet V, Encinas RB, Vilata-Corell JJ, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmetics: A clinical and epidemiological study in a tertiary hospital. Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD. Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.

Int J Environ Res Public Health. Mount Sinai. Contact dermatitis. Cheng J, Zug KA. Fragrance allergic contact dermatitis. Deza G, Giménez-Arnau AM. Allergic contact dermatitis in preservatives. Sindle A, Martin K. Art of prevention: Essential oils - natural products are not necessarily safe.

Int J Women's Dermatol. Fransen M, Overgaard LEK, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Contact allergy to lanolin: temporal changes in prevalence and association with atopic dermatitis.

Contact Derm. Brasch J, Becker D, Aberer W, et al. Guideline contact dermatitis: S1-Guidelines of the German Contact Allergy Group DKG of the German Dermatology Society DDG , the Information Network of Dermatological Clinics IVDK , the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology DGAKI , the Working Group for Occupational and Environmental Dermatology ABD of the DDG, the Medical Association of German Allergologists AeDA , the Professional Association of German Dermatologists BVDD and the DDG.

Allergo J Int. Martin SF, Rustemeyer T, Thyssen JP. Recent advances in understanding and managing contact dermatitis. Yale Medicine. Allergic contact dermatitis. Goossens A. Contact-allergic reactions to cosmetics. J Allergy Cairo. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Tan CH, Rasool S, Johnston GA. Contact dermatitis: Allergic and irritant. Clin Dermatol. Verhulst L, Goossens A. Cosmetic components causing contact urticaria: a review and update. Contact Dermatitis. By Angela Palmer Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance.

Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services.

Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Skin Allergies. By Angela Palmer. Medically reviewed by Corinne Savides Happel, MD. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents.

Allergy vs. Problematic Products.

Cerave, Vanicream. Although it's tough if your skin is itchy, try not to scratch the area. Give it an opportunity to heal.

Your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to control the itch and help the skin heal, if needed. If you are having a mild allergic reaction involving a small area of red, itchy skin, you can apply you can apply an over-the-counter OTC hydrocortisone cream to the affected area to stop the itching.

For larger or more severely affected areas, a doctor may also prescribe a topical corticosteroid. When the allergic reaction affects an extensive area of skin, your doctor may prescribe a short course of an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone.

You may need to take the medication for seven to 14 days, and in some cases longer. Although your skin symptoms may clear up after just a few days, it's important to finish the full course prescribed to ensure the reaction has resolved. If you have an epinephrine injector EpiPen or Auvi-Q , use it immediately.

This is true regardless of whether you are sure you are having an allergic reaction or not. You will still need to get medical attention right away after the epinephrine injection. The effects of epinephrine wear off within 20 minutes.

And since anaphylaxis can return, you will need further treatment and observation. In addition to epinephrine, you may be given other treatments at the hospital, such as IV antihistamines. Should anaphylaxis affect your breathing, you may need oxygen, or a bronchodilator like albuterol to open your airways.

Without complications, a reaction can last around two to four weeks. This depends on how severe it is and how you treat your skin after it occurs. Allergic reactions to face wash, creams, and other skincare products can be delayed or immediate.

Applying a cool, wet washcloth to the area for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day can help. You might also try taking a cool bath. Sprinkle baking soda or colloidal oatmeal into the water to give it extra soothing qualities.

Consider at least temporarily changing to a milder shampoo and conditioner. Redness may be persisting because your hair care is irritating your sensitive skin.

Pause on using products with possibly irritating ingredients e. You can be allergic to skincare products, but you don't have to be in order for them to cause itchy, red, and dry skin. Skincare and other beauty products often contain hundreds of ingredients , many of which can slowly strip away your skin's protective and moisturizing barriers.

This causes irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms may occur right away or take years of product use to develop. Unfortunately, it's not always clear exactly what a product contains, which is why many people have turned to creating their own beauty products at home with simple ingredients—propolis, aloe vera, and so on—that they know won't affect their skin.

If you do this, keep them in airtight containers to best preserve them, and throw them out if you notice any signs of separation, differences in texture, or changes in smell.

Bains SN, Nash P, Fonacier L. Irritant contact dermatitis. Owen JL, Vakharia PP, Silverberg JI. The role and diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Am J Clin Dermatol. Zaragoza-Ninet V, Encinas RB, Vilata-Corell JJ, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmetics: A clinical and epidemiological study in a tertiary hospital. Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD. Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health.

Mount Sinai. Contact dermatitis. Cheng J, Zug KA. Fragrance allergic contact dermatitis. Deza G, Giménez-Arnau AM. Allergic contact dermatitis in preservatives. Sindle A, Martin K. Art of prevention: Essential oils - natural products are not necessarily safe. Int J Women's Dermatol.

Fransen M, Overgaard LEK, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Contact allergy to lanolin: temporal changes in prevalence and association with atopic dermatitis. Contact Derm. Brasch J, Becker D, Aberer W, et al.

Guideline contact dermatitis: S1-Guidelines of the German Contact Allergy Group DKG of the German Dermatology Society DDG , the Information Network of Dermatological Clinics IVDK , the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology DGAKI , the Working Group for Occupational and Environmental Dermatology ABD of the DDG, the Medical Association of German Allergologists AeDA , the Professional Association of German Dermatologists BVDD and the DDG.

Allergo J Int. Martin SF, Rustemeyer T, Thyssen JP. Recent advances in understanding and managing contact dermatitis. Yale Medicine. Allergic contact dermatitis. Goossens A. Contact-allergic reactions to cosmetics. J Allergy Cairo.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hives urticaria occurs when your skin contacts something you're allergic to. Your skin reacts by becoming red, white or with appearance of itchy welts.

These welts may last more than six weeks and may appear again over months or years Mayo Clinic. Hives can be large or small, and appear anywhere on your body, even disappear in one area and show up in another rather quickly. It is thought thyroid disease or lupus may be the cause of hives.

It's important to find the triggers, such as irritating ingredients, and avoid them. Contact dermatitis is localized in the area that your body contacted an irritating ingredient.

It shows up with red rash that itches, or with dry patches and tenderness. Products such as soap, cosmetics, and deodorant are some of the causes. Seborrheic skin condition signs and symptoms Mayo Clinic include patchy scaling scalp, red, greasy skin with white or yellow scales.

Usually affects the oily areas of the body, such as your face, and upper chest and back. It's known as cradle cap when you see it with infants. Over-the-Counter Remedies for Sensitive Allergy-Prone Skin With sensitive allergy-prone skin, most of the reactions last a while and get better eventually on their own.

There are certain non-prescription remedies you can use to help with the symptoms: Hydrocortisone creams to help with itching. Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine to help control itching. If the symptoms become worse or spreads, see your dermatologist or general physician. Best Care of Sensitive Allergy-Prone Skin The most important factor in preventing flareups of sensitive allergy-prone skin, is to manage and avoid the triggers.

Use a gentle cleanser that is free of fragrance and sodium lauryl sulfate SLS. Choose one that fits your skin type, that is either for oily, dry or combination skin. Don't over wash your face, but use warm water never hot or cold no more than two times a day. Never rub, but pat dry with a soft towel.

Only use fragrance-free skin care products. Fragrances contain highly irritating ingredients. Hydrocortisone soothes inflammation while aloe cools and hydrates, providing immediate relief for hot, itchy skin.

Break out the ice! Gently rub the rashy area with our Cryo Sculpting Roller or an ice cube to reduce inflammation and slightly numb the skin. The cold will help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort. As soon as you notice the telltale signs of an allergy on your skin, pop an antihistamine like Benadryl.

Skin allergies occur when the body produces histamine, a natural immune compound that causes inflammation and rashes. Antihistamines help block this response to relieve hives, itching, and redness. Inflamed and irritated skin is especially sensitive to topical treatments.

Put away your serums and peels for a few days and pare down your routine to avoid damaging your skin. Use a super gentle cleanser and moisturizer like Cetaphil. Once your skin is completely healed, you can begin using your regular products.