No matter where you shop for skin-care or makeup products, just about every product you see makes one or more claims that are misleading, false, or exaggerated to the point of absurdity.
Cosmetics companies rely on the same overblown claims again and again to sell new products, telling you that their new product is more special or unique than their last. But, no matter how they state it, more often than not it ends up being completely meaningless, and often just plain nonsense.
Over the next 6 days, I will give you 6 claims that you definitely should not believe.
#1
Hypoallergenic
Why it’s meaningless: “Hypoallergenic” is meant to imply that a product is unlikely or less likely to cause allergic reactions and, therefore, is better for allergy-prone or sensitive skin types, but it isn’t true. There are no accepted testing methods, ingredient restrictions, regulations, guidelines, rules, or procedures of any kind, anywhere in the world, for determining whether or not a product qualifies as being hypoallergenic.
We have reviewed hundreds of products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “good for sensitive skin” that contain seriously problematic ingredients that actually trigger allergic breakouts or sensitive skin reactions.
What to look for instead: If sensitive or allergy-prone skin is one of your concerns, then the No. 1 thing to look for is products that are free of irritants. The major irritants that show up in an astounding number of products, especially in products labeled organic or natural, are fragrance (both synthetic and natural fragrance are equally bad for all skin types), alcohol (isopropyl or SD alcohol), and strong cleansing agents.
(Information by Paula Begoun)
Skin Care Blog 