Makeup & Allergic Contact Dermatitis: How to Protect Sensitive Skin

k westeastcoast
Jan 13
2 min read

Dermatologist Dr Kendall Egan MD Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune-mediated reaction (rash) that develops over time when a chemical or product touches the skin. Continued exposure makes inflammation more severe and harder to control. The skin barrier weakens over time causing more skin irritation and inflammation.

What to Consider when Choosing Cosmetics:

🧴 1. What to Look for on the Label

Choose makeup that is:

✔ Fragrance-free

✔ Hypoallergenic

✔ Non-comedogenic

✔ Mineral-based

Avoid:

🚫 Fragrance / Parfum

🚫 Essential oils

🚫 Oxybenzone

🚫 Waterproof formulas

🧪 2. Ingredients Sensitive Skin Should Avoid

Common cosmetic triggers we identify in clinic:

• Fragrance

Essential oils

Chemical sunscreen

Formaldehyde releasers

🧫 Common Makeup Products & Their Most Frequent Allergens

Certain cosmetic products are far more likely to trigger allergic contact dermatitis because of the chemicals they contain and the delicate skin areas where they are applied.

Mascara & Eye Makeup

The eyelids are one of the most allergy-prone areas of the body.

Common allergens include:• Fragrance• Preservatives (including formaldehyde releasers)• Nickel contamination in pigments• Carbon black• Shellac• Rubber accelerators in applicators• Thimerosal

Nail Polish

A frequent cause of facial, eyelid, and neck rashes — even though the product is applied to the nails.

Common allergens include:• Tosylamide formaldehyde resin• Formaldehyde• Methacrylates• Acetates• Benzoyl peroxide• Camphor

Blush, Bronzer & Face Powder

Often responsible for chronic cheek and jawline dermatitis.

Common allergens include:• Fragrance• Carmine• Bismuth oxychloride• Mica contaminated with nickel• Preservatives

Foundation & Concealer

Common triggers for widespread facial inflammation.

Common allergens include:• Fragrance• Preservatives• Sunscreen filters• Lanolin• Propylene glycol• Formaldehyde releasers

Lip Products

A leading cause of chronic lip peeling, burning, swelling, and cheilitis.

Common allergens include:• Flavoring agents• Fragrance• Menthol• Camphor• Balsam of Peru• Sunscreen filters

🌸 3. Best Makeup Types for Sensitive Skin

Foundation

✔ Mineral powder✔ Silicone-based liquid✔ Tinted mineral sunscreen

Concealer

✔ Creamy, fragrance-free✔ Minimal ingredients

Blush & Bronzer

✔ Powder over cream✔ Mineral pigments

Eye Makeup

✔ Ophthalmologist tested✔ Fragrance-free✔ Avoid waterproof if eyes are sensitive

Lip Products

✔ Minimal ingredients✔ No fragrance or flavor

🔬 5. Patch Test Everything New

Apply new products behind the ear or on the neck.Wait 24 hours before applying to the face.

Many patients labeled “sensitive” actually have allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, rosacea, or acne-prone skin. When the correct diagnosis is made and triggers are removed, skin health improves dramatically.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your skin burns, stings, flakes, stays red, breaks out, or develops rashes after makeup, you may have cosmetic-induced allergic contact dermatitis and should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.

Schedule Your Personalized Skin Evaluation

At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we combine medical dermatology with integrative approaches to identify triggers, restore the skin barrier, and achieve long-term skin health.

📍 Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd Ste 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117

702-930-6441

🌐 www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

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