Hypoallergenic May Not Mean Allergen-friendly

Allergic reactions to makeup and skincare items are more common than understood, as reactions can be mild like itchy, watery eyes, red patches and increased acne. Even more concerning, allergy sufferers may continue to see reactions after switching to hypoallergenic makeup brands.

Skincare brands like Texas-based Red Apple Lipstick hope to change the industries perspective on allergen-friendly skincare by creating a product line of specially formulated, gluten-free, allergen-friendly, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free products for those who suffer from chronic chapped lips caused by autoimmune conditions such as Celiac disease, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Allergen-friendly makeup options are important, and are different from "hypoallergenic" makeup brands. Unfortunately, the term hypoallergenic is not a regulated label in the cosmetics industry. If you see "hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that the manufacturer claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones they carry, or less reactions than competitors'. Having a hypoallergenic label does not necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. Many times as well, that label refers to synthetic chemical allergens such as parabens, sulfites and heavy metals, and rarely refers to other types of "natural allergens" like wheat, corn and soy. For example, many skin products contain vitamin E oil, which is mainly made from wheat in manufacturing. You may also notice increased use of ingredients like oatmeal, which is not always a gluten-free oatmeal. These types of additives contribute to why some items carry a gluten-free label and some do not.

For some with topical reactions to their allergies, small amounts of wheat-derived products is enough to inflame the lips and or skin. These ingredients are also a concern for allergy sufferers like those with Celiac disease, as the skincare we use likely ends up in our mouth and digestive tract when we lick our lips, drink out of a cup or bottle, and as we eat snacks with our hands. A simple day at the pool could cause an allergic reaction as we accidentally ingest small amounts of our sunscreen, lotion or other skin care products.

Those with allergies no longer need to suffer through itchy, puffy lips and skin reactions. High-quality product lines with allergies and inflammation in mind like Red Apple Lipstick can help make your self-care routine healthier and safer for your body.

Explore allergen friendly makeup and skincare items by visiting Red Apple Lipstick at bit.ly/glutenfreeredapplelipstick.

Tiffany Hinton is GF Mom Certified. Connect on social media @GFMomCertified and on the GFMomCertified.com blog for more allergen-friendly living tips.