Key takeaways

  • Using a new skin care product without testing it first can potentially cause allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition in which the immune system overreacts to an ingredient in the product, or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory response to an irritant like a chemical.
  • Doing a patch test, which involves testing the product on a small area of skin first, can help predict whether using the product is likely to cause a reaction. Dermatologists (skin doctors) may recommend patch testing for 7 to 10 days to rule out the likelihood of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
  • To reduce the risk of irritation, you can avoid common triggers for contact dermatitis, including fragrances and preservatives.

Skin care products can contain a wide range of ingredients, typically including active ingredients along with inactive ones like preservatives.

Sometimes trying a new product can cause a skin reaction due to irritation or allergy.

You can perform a self patch test to determine if a product is likely to irritate your skin. By applying it to a small area first and checking to see how your skin tolerates it, you can reduce the risk of a more widespread reaction.

Keep reading to learn how to perform a self patch test for different types of products, including facial skin care and essential oils, what indicators of a skin reaction to look for, and how to choose products that are less likely to cause irritation.

When testing a new skin care product, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends:

  • First, choose a test spot: Choose a spot that’s about the size of a quarter on an area of your skin where the product won’t be rubbed off or washed frequently. Options include the inner forearm or the bend in your elbow.
  • Then apply the product to the test spot twice daily for about 7 to 10 days: Use an amount and thickness similar to what you would typically use if applying the product regularly.
  • Leave product on your skin for as long as you usually would with a similar product: If you’re testing a moisturizer, serum, or sunscreen, leave it on all day. But if you’re testing something you’d usually rinse off, such as a facial cleanser or mask, leave it on your skin for as long as the instructions say.
  • Check your skin for indicators of a reaction for 7 to 10 days: If you don’t experience any irritation, you can usually add the product to your skin care routine. If you experience any irritation or symptoms of an allergic reaction, wash the product off as soon as possible and stop using the product.

It’s important to note that some skin care ingredients, such as retinol and glycolic acid, may temporarily irritate the skin. You may need to apply a product with a lower concentration of these active ingredients until your skin gets used to them.

If you have a skin reaction during a patch test

If you develop a skin reaction during a patch test, wash the product off as soon as you can and do not use it again. You may want to note the product name or ingredients for future reference. This may help pinpoint a specific irritant, particularly if you experience a reaction to another product that contains it.

To manage symptoms of a skin reaction, you can try contact dermatitis home remedies, such as applying a cold compress or petroleum jelly to relieve your symptoms.

If your reaction to a product is severe and not relieved with at-home care, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist to help manage your symptoms.

You may be able to return the product, even open, to certain retailers if you keep the receipt.

Patch testing face and hair products

The skin on your face and body may react differently to a product. For some people, the skin on the face may be more sensitive.

You may consider testing a product intended for use on the face in an inconspicuous area of the face rather than on the body. Some options include:

  • testing a face product behind the ear at your jawline
  • testing a hair product or hair dye on the back of the neck

Consider applying a smaller, dime-size amount.

Patch testing essential oils

When testing essential oils on the skin, always dilute them with a carrier oil, water, or lotion. Common carrier oils include:

  • jojoba
  • sweet almond
  • olive oil

Never use undiluted essential oils directly on the skin. Doing so may cause a reaction, even if you are not allergic to the ingredients.

It’s best to test essential oils on an inconspicuous spot on the body, such as the forearm. Do not test essential oils on your face.

Disclaimer

While research suggests there may be health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

A skin reaction can cause uncomfortable symptoms that may result from:

  • contact dermatitis, an inflammatory response to an irritant, like a chemical
  • allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition in which the immune system overreacts to an ingredient in the product
  • skin barrier damage, damage to the skin’s outermost layers, which can make reactions and irritation more likely

Symptoms of a skin reaction may include:

While you can develop a skin reaction to many different types of products, some ingredients are more likely to cause skin issues, such as contact dermatitis.

Ingredients and products more likely to cause irritation may include:

  • balsam of Peru, an antiseptic that may be used in skin care products and for fragrance
  • topical antibiotics used to prevent skin infections, such as neomycin and bacitracin
  • preservatives, such as formaldehyde (produced during a Brazilian blowout), thiomersal (may be in certain cosmetics), and parabens (may be in certain cosmetics and personal care items)
  • fragrance mix
  • sunscreen products
  • hair dyes

You can also develop contact dermatitis from contact with cleaning chemicals, certain plants (like poison ivy and ragweed), and materials like latex and rubber. Many people are also allergic to metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium.

Certain skin care products are less likely to cause a skin reaction.

Some guidelines to consider when choosing products include:

  • opting for fragrance-free products
  • choosing products formulated for sensitive skin, including cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens
  • considering sulfate-free products (sulfate-based ingredients help products foam up but may cause irritation for some people) and products free from alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol (which can dry out the skin)
  • avoiding products with ingredients you’ve reacted to in the past
  • choosing dermatologist-recommended products

It’s still best to patch test any new product on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, which can include being prone to contact dermatitis or having a skin condition such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the skin.

If you’re experiencing either ongoing skin issues or severe skin reactions, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist.

Not only can they help recommend products to try and avoid, but they can also prescribe products or medications to manage the symptoms of contact dermatitis.

A dermatologist or allergist (a doctor who specializes in allergies) can also perform an in-office patch test to test multiple allergens at once and give you a better idea of what ingredients to avoid.

Patch testing your skin before applying a new product widely can help prevent skin reactions like contact dermatitis.

It involves applying a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of the skin for 7 to 10 days while checking for a skin reaction. If you experience irritation, wash off the product and stop using it.

To minimize the risk of irritation, you can avoid products that contain common irritants like fragrances and preservatives and instead opt for dermatologist-approved formulas.

If you need further guidance or are experiencing skin reactions from various products, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist.