That was super helpful! I’m always losing my mind over reacting to almost every product I try. That explains so much! Products with parabens actually keep my skin calm, while products with other and countless kinds of preservatives irritate my skin immediately! I am literally scared of trying new skincare at this point
Little fact to add about essential oils/natural ingredients: they can also cause a person (like me) to develop new contact allergies more quickly by "sensitizing". Therefore, using such products would cause more rashes now and more frequent rashes later. Fun! (That's sarcastic)
Thank you for this video! I have both sensitive skin and skin allergies (to specific essential oils/plant extracts), and it can sometimes be tricky determining if I've got contact dermatitis or hives. LOL I usually try the product again over a long period of time and measure the reactions. IME, over several months with very measured exposures, if the reactions lessen, it was a sensitivity. If they worsen, it's an allergy. That kind of distinction has helped me incorporate some integral products into my routine (benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for instance), while completely eliminating my ability to use other ingredients (like rosemary--holy moly). [Not suggesting other people go this route because allergic reactions, even to topical products, can escalate in severity quickly over just a few exposures. Benadryl is my friend.]
So glad I found your channel. Feel like I'm going to learn a lot. I have sensitive skin and react to many products but can't work out which ingredients set me off x
Love your videos and that you clear up misconceptions! 😍 can you talk about ceramides in products. I've heard that ceramides are expensive and that the amount of ceramides in most products is negligent. Is this true?
Oooooo, Kenna.... can you PLEASE check out the mold issue in Shane Dawson's Slime Glossin complaints floating around social media? I'm so curious if it's readily the "pigment" separating or mold or something else. I'm sure many others would be curious as well. Stay safe and well 🥰😷👌
I’m pretty sure I have an allergy to fragrance, I broke out with eczema around my eyes. But essential oils sting and burn. The Milani eyeshadow primer burned like fire, I really wonder what was in that! I wish parabens were still used, my skin has no problems with it. However, some other preservatives are irritating. Thanks for the info!
I'm so confused about sulfates now. Because once I went sulfate free in my body wash, shampoo, etc I stopped having this extremely itchy red rash. It was such an uncomfortable rash. And now it doesn't happen anymore.
Thank you so much for this! Now I know I have true allergies. I don't know what I'm allergic to specifically, but I haven't had hives since I stopped using anything with fragrance and / or essential oils.
You know, I really like your videos and the way you talk and idk how much you prioritize this channel but here are some recommendations from someone who watches a lot of RUclips: - a clean and non-distracting background - placing the names of the chemicals on the screen as well as definitions - listing common products that contain the things you are talking about - publish videos that are commonly searched for such as: brands to stay away from and why, actually “clean” beauty brands, etc. - the benefits and dangers of certain ingredients could be talked about as well
I genuinely love chemistry and would loooove if a chemistry channel on beauty blew up and you are so beautiful and well-spoken, you could really do it!
Just go to see your allergist and have patches done to see what chemicals you are allergic to. I just found out I am allergic to fragrance mix (which is also in fragrance free products!) and nickel--the latter is in many of our healthy foods too! I had no idea.
My skin seems to get irritated by EVERYTHING and the only thing thats EVER helped was oat milk, so I'm wondering if it might be eczema or something similar as I also have seborrheic derm on my scalp, ears and eyebrows. Seriously so tiring looking at ingredient lists trying to figure out what it could be only to find out that everything I thought was irritating me isn't even in my new product and it still irritates me :/ glad I don't have allergic reactions though, glad to know that
Not sure if this helps. But I’m allergic to glycerin! It’s in basically everything skincare and makeup. For me it makes my skin red and itchy, and using it over and over dries my skin out and makes it flakey. It took me a longtime to figure out why my skin hated “sensitive” products more than regular, it’s the extra glycerine.
I find Vanicream products work well. They have a zinc shampoo and zinc bar of soap that are supposed to help with sebboric dermatitis. You can also get colloidal oat to add to a bath. Aveeno makes one, and there are two brands I find in the USA, one at Whole Foods and one at Dollar Tree, that I can't remember the name of. It sounds like that might feel nice for you. Some of Aveeno's other products (in the USA, it's the ones with a seal for the eczema association) have colloidal oatmeal while being gentle on delicate skin. A dermatologist could do a patch test to identify the ingredients you're reactive too also or check if something totally unexpected is going on.
Hi Kenna, can you please consider making a video about cosmetic product labeling? I have a sensitivity to Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine and some fragrances. But I had a bad reaction to some products labeled as 1 ingredient only (The Ordinary's Marula Oil for example). I've heard some rumors that it's possible these products can contain preservatives and other ingredients that don't have to be disclosed in the ingredient list. I think I heard this regarding 100% Mugwort essence from I'm From or Missha. Is this true? Then the bad reactions to these products made sense to me ... Thanks. Hana
Kenna thanks for this video. I have a question. I have irritation from using retinol otc. Should I continue using by reducing the days or ? Because the side effects of retinol is irritation. Im confused :(
Oddly enough I can tolerate sulfates in any form, preferably the harsher the better, on the scalp and body, even need it there (picky scalp, that needs to get squeaky clean), but I can not stand them at all in my toothpaste. Why on earth these companies (Colgate, Oral-B) took it upon themselves to put sulfates in toothpaste in these recent years is beyond me! Even Sensodyne has CB in it! And my gums go totally nuts and teeth go super sensitive for some reason. I am using Zendium sensitive (which is thankfully still obtainable here in Belgium), which lacks all that stuff and my teeth are just fine without it all. Even the Aldi and Lidl own brands now jumped on the sulfate bandwagon! So irritating because toothpaste without sulfates is super hard to find (where I live).
There's a brand called Cleure that makes allergy minded toothpaste. I don't know about it's accessibility in Belgium though. Are there options on Amazon or another online retailer? That's the only solution I have.
@@marylane6835 I get my toothpaste, that I have had for 10+ years through The Netherlands (I am in Belgium, no Amazon here), from a local drugstore and it's called Zendium sensitive plus. It is amazing. And guess what even Sensodyne has detergents in it (CBetaine). The toothpaste I use was in my comment, though. ;)
Hey. I love your videos! Good job :D I have one question about a preservative. Phenoxyethanol (you mentioned this one here) is in critique for potentially having harmful effects on the Immunesystem and the nervous system. What is your stand on that matter? Because I find it very hard to stay away from phenoxyethanol because it is used in nearly every product.
Kenna you are beautiful!!! 🤍 I just started using adapalene /Differin type product at night to help control acne. My skin is already starting to get very dry on day 3. I bought Cerave moisturizing cream to help. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and I live in a very dry climate where humidity is often 8%. Is this cream a good option for me? Is there a way to make hyaluronic acid work with my climate? Thank you!!!!
Hey I'm in the same boat as you... started using Differin 2 months ago and I live in a super dry, desert climate. The Cerave moisturizing cream and the Cerave moisturizing lotion have worked wonderfully and are the only moisturizers that have prevented my skin drying out throughout the day.
I am having.... Some reaction.... Small bumps... Dont know wtf... Is that........ Used everything to calm in down but ntg worked..... Applied aleo vera... NO...... Then at the end I used a face wash for babies...... It burned... I'm done.... 😑...... I'm back to.... Using bar soap to my face like i was 5 ......... I'm helpless...
I tried Dime TBt my eyes are very swollen after use, and after two days I have swollen under eyes looks very puffy filled liked fluid underneath. I’m scared and worried.
Last year I was diagnosed with a severe allergy to Cashews, and a moderate allergy to Almonds and Peanuts. Can a product containing tree nuts and peanuts be label as hypoallergenic in skincare, makeup, hair care or body care products?
I'm not sure. Hypoallergenic should mean it's impossible for you to get an allergic reaction, but I still get allergic reactions to products that claim to be hypoallergenic. I wouldn't mess with that :/
I would read labels and learn if there are any terms that mean cashew but don't say it. Like, limonene is a fragrance derived from citrus, but it is not called "fragrance". I'm glad you made it through whatever situations lead to that diagnosis, and I hope you can find a list online somewhere of skincare/makeup products that are free of nuts and ones to avoid. I have a feeling that exists somewhere.
Full disclosure that I haven't finished the whole video yet, but I think your first point about allergies only happening past the first exposure is very confusingly stated. There are so many ingredients in skincare that are refined from various source materials, and there is so much cross-reactivity and potential cross-contamination, that this really just isn't true. If it was the first time you were coming in contact with a newer or more unusual raw ingredient, maybe something like monoi oil for example, then that's more likely to be correct. But otherwise, you've likely come in contact with many of those ingredients in other skincare products, cosmetics, foods, etc. So the first time you use a new skincare product is very likely NOT the first time you're experiencing a specific ingredient, and therefore you can definitely have an allergic reaction.
I have a question. Every time I wear foundation or powder from different brands like benefit, fenty, MAC I get pustules (the ones with white head and pus) on my chin area. What is this condition? How can I get rid of it? Could I have sensitive skin? I hope Kenna or someone else can help me. Thanks!
Would the reasoning to essential oil allergens be because of pollen? Example if I eat raw fruit/veggies I can have an oral allergy reaction and that’s due to having issues with seasonal allergies as it is
Oils contain several compounds that can be allergenic, not necessarily derived from pollen itself. I'm not a biochemist like Kenna lol, but as an aromatherapist I've learned that if you are allergic to the plant you'll be allergic to the oil, and flower oils (such as lavender, rose, jasmine, etc.) are highly allergenic. People with seasonal allergies or dermatitis are absolutely more prone to develop allergies to oils, and there are other factors such as poor dilution, and excessive application that might contribute to this too. That's why it's so important to interview the client about all allergies, including food ones. I'd rather use an artificially scented massage oil in cases of reported allergies, and even if there are no allergies present it's really best to keep formulations quite low since oils can cause chemical burns if poorly diluted. In general, oils in non supervised applications like cosmetics, should be under more control tbh
Sadae Sparda Thank you for your insight on the matter! I do use oils (YL & dT) and haven’t had any reactions so far. I think the pollen allergen issue is to do when the fruit/veggie is consumed (in my case) so *prayerfully* I’ll avoid the allergic reaction with the oils. But definitely, I do take into account of their potency and mostly use them for aromatics and cleaning purposes over topical and internal! 🙂
Probably not honestly. More likely you are having a reaction to an ingredient common to all the products you've tried. If you can't find a common denominator in the ingredient lists I'd say visit a dermatologist.
Do you know if there's another reason you could get hives like a serious systemic allergy? I got hives from stress when I was younger, but that doesn't mean anything about your situation. I would call your doctor (GP/PCP/etc) just in case urgent action is needed. Hives can happen in reaction to products and sun light, amongst other things.
The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/kennawhitnell6
Thanks for this! Checking it out now
That was super helpful! I’m always losing my mind over reacting to almost every product I try. That explains so much! Products with parabens actually keep my skin calm, while products with other and countless kinds of preservatives irritate my skin immediately! I am literally scared of trying new skincare at this point
Little fact to add about essential oils/natural ingredients: they can also cause a person (like me) to develop new contact allergies more quickly by "sensitizing". Therefore, using such products would cause more rashes now and more frequent rashes later. Fun! (That's sarcastic)
Thank you for this video! I have both sensitive skin and skin allergies (to specific essential oils/plant extracts), and it can sometimes be tricky determining if I've got contact dermatitis or hives. LOL I usually try the product again over a long period of time and measure the reactions. IME, over several months with very measured exposures, if the reactions lessen, it was a sensitivity. If they worsen, it's an allergy. That kind of distinction has helped me incorporate some integral products into my routine (benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for instance), while completely eliminating my ability to use other ingredients (like rosemary--holy moly). [Not suggesting other people go this route because allergic reactions, even to topical products, can escalate in severity quickly over just a few exposures. Benadryl is my friend.]
So glad I found your channel. Feel like I'm going to learn a lot. I have sensitive skin and react to many products but can't work out which ingredients set me off x
Love your videos and that you clear up misconceptions! 😍 can you talk about ceramides in products. I've heard that ceramides are expensive and that the amount of ceramides in most products is negligent. Is this true?
yes. most products use sk-influx from evonik. max suggested rate of use is 15%, but most products use 1-5%. The raw material itself contains 1,5%.
Was easy to know I was having an allergic reaction to my 'all natural' foundation; after the third wearing, my head swelled up like a soccer ball!
Hope you're doing better now!
Oooooo, Kenna.... can you PLEASE check out the mold issue in Shane Dawson's Slime Glossin complaints floating around social media? I'm so curious if it's readily the "pigment" separating or mold or something else. I'm sure many others would be curious as well. Stay safe and well 🥰😷👌
I’m pretty sure I have an allergy to fragrance, I broke out with eczema around my eyes. But essential oils sting and burn. The Milani eyeshadow primer burned like fire, I really wonder what was in that! I wish parabens were still used, my skin has no problems with it. However, some other preservatives are irritating. Thanks for the info!
I'm so confused about sulfates now. Because once I went sulfate free in my body wash, shampoo, etc I stopped having this extremely itchy red rash. It was such an uncomfortable rash. And now it doesn't happen anymore.
great video thx for helping know what i had i ended up being allergic to Aquaphor due to the lanolin
Thank you so much for this! Now I know I have true allergies. I don't know what I'm allergic to specifically, but I haven't had hives since I stopped using anything with fragrance and / or essential oils.
90% sure it was the fragrance - essential oils usual cause irritation, not an allergic reaction, although it's possible
Woot woot!
You know, I really like your videos and the way you talk and idk how much you prioritize this channel but here are some recommendations from someone who watches a lot of RUclips: - a clean and non-distracting background - placing the names of the chemicals on the screen as well as definitions - listing common products that contain the things you are talking about - publish videos that are commonly searched for such as: brands to stay away from and why, actually “clean” beauty brands, etc. - the benefits and dangers of certain ingredients could be talked about as well
I genuinely love chemistry and would loooove if a chemistry channel on beauty blew up and you are so beautiful and well-spoken, you could really do it!
i really appreciate the knowledge you are bringing to us girl!
I can’t believe how many subscribers you have! I’ve been here since 600!
208k
Feb 2024👍👍
Loved this video thank you Kenna, so informative!!!
Just go to see your allergist and have patches done to see what chemicals you are allergic to. I just found out I am allergic to fragrance mix (which is also in fragrance free products!) and nickel--the latter is in many of our healthy foods too! I had no idea.
My skin seems to get irritated by EVERYTHING and the only thing thats EVER helped was oat milk, so I'm wondering if it might be eczema or something similar as I also have seborrheic derm on my scalp, ears and eyebrows. Seriously so tiring looking at ingredient lists trying to figure out what it could be only to find out that everything I thought was irritating me isn't even in my new product and it still irritates me :/ glad I don't have allergic reactions though, glad to know that
Not sure if this helps. But I’m allergic to glycerin! It’s in basically everything skincare and makeup. For me it makes my skin red and itchy, and using it over and over dries my skin out and makes it flakey. It took me a longtime to figure out why my skin hated “sensitive” products more than regular, it’s the extra glycerine.
I find Vanicream products work well. They have a zinc shampoo and zinc bar of soap that are supposed to help with sebboric dermatitis. You can also get colloidal oat to add to a bath. Aveeno makes one, and there are two brands I find in the USA, one at Whole Foods and one at Dollar Tree, that I can't remember the name of. It sounds like that might feel nice for you. Some of Aveeno's other products (in the USA, it's the ones with a seal for the eczema association) have colloidal oatmeal while being gentle on delicate skin. A dermatologist could do a patch test to identify the ingredients you're reactive too also or check if something totally unexpected is going on.
@@amandacutebutevil6539 Same! The more the product was touted for sensitive skin (Vanicream, Cerave, etc...) the more I seemed to react to it!
Hi Kenna, can you please consider making a video about cosmetic product labeling? I have a sensitivity to Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine and some fragrances. But I had a bad reaction to some products labeled as 1 ingredient only (The Ordinary's Marula Oil for example). I've heard some rumors that it's possible these products can contain preservatives and other ingredients that don't have to be disclosed in the ingredient list. I think I heard this regarding 100% Mugwort essence from I'm From or Missha. Is this true? Then the bad reactions to these products made sense to me ... Thanks. Hana
Kenna thanks for this video. I have a question. I have irritation from using retinol otc. Should I continue using by reducing the days or ? Because the side effects of retinol is irritation. Im confused :(
That was so helpful, thank you Kenna!
Great video! You should definitely do one about makeup 💄 products.
Thank you for this video. This was very interesting.
Oddly enough I can tolerate sulfates in any form, preferably the harsher the better, on the scalp and body, even need it there (picky scalp, that needs to get squeaky clean), but I can not stand them at all in my toothpaste. Why on earth these companies (Colgate, Oral-B) took it upon themselves to put sulfates in toothpaste in these recent years is beyond me! Even Sensodyne has CB in it! And my gums go totally nuts and teeth go super sensitive for some reason. I am using Zendium sensitive (which is thankfully still obtainable here in Belgium), which lacks all that stuff and my teeth are just fine without it all. Even the Aldi and Lidl own brands now jumped on the sulfate bandwagon! So irritating because toothpaste without sulfates is super hard to find (where I live).
There's a brand called Cleure that makes allergy minded toothpaste. I don't know about it's accessibility in Belgium though. Are there options on Amazon or another online retailer? That's the only solution I have.
@@marylane6835 I get my toothpaste, that I have had for 10+ years through The Netherlands (I am in Belgium, no Amazon here), from a local drugstore and it's called Zendium sensitive plus. It is amazing. And guess what even Sensodyne has detergents in it (CBetaine). The toothpaste I use was in my comment, though. ;)
Wow 208k subbs👍👍congratts
Hey. I love your videos! Good job :D I have one question about a preservative. Phenoxyethanol (you mentioned this one here) is in critique for potentially having harmful effects on the Immunesystem and the nervous system. What is your stand on that matter? Because I find it very hard to stay away from phenoxyethanol because it is used in nearly every product.
not true. phenoxyethanol is a safe and effective preservative (although it has to be combined with other preservatives because its not broad spectrum)
im allergic to niacinamide -_-
Kenna you are beautiful!!! 🤍 I just started using adapalene /Differin type product at night to help control acne. My skin is already starting to get very dry on day 3. I bought Cerave moisturizing cream to help. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and I live in a very dry climate where humidity is often 8%. Is this cream a good option for me? Is there a way to make hyaluronic acid work with my climate? Thank you!!!!
Hey I'm in the same boat as you... started using Differin 2 months ago and I live in a super dry, desert climate. The Cerave moisturizing cream and the Cerave moisturizing lotion have worked wonderfully and are the only moisturizers that have prevented my skin drying out throughout the day.
I used a humidifier and work wonders
Chelarikku I’ve been thinking about getting one! I think this is my sign to do it. Thank you sooo much
I am allergic to SLS. My symptoms got worse over time.
I am having.... Some reaction.... Small bumps... Dont know wtf... Is that........ Used everything to calm in down but ntg worked..... Applied aleo vera... NO...... Then at the end I used a face wash for babies...... It burned... I'm done.... 😑...... I'm back to.... Using bar soap to my face like i was 5 ......... I'm helpless...
Super useful info! I was wondering this related to my retinol. I’m sure it’s irritation tho
I tried Dime TBt my eyes are very swollen after use, and after two days I have swollen under eyes looks very puffy filled liked fluid underneath. I’m scared and worried.
I’ve been dying for you to review Monat products!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭
She posted one just a few days ago
Chris H I know but not the hair care line!
Last year I was diagnosed with a severe allergy to Cashews, and a moderate allergy to Almonds and Peanuts. Can a product containing tree nuts and peanuts be label as hypoallergenic in skincare, makeup, hair care or body care products?
I'm not sure. Hypoallergenic should mean it's impossible for you to get an allergic reaction, but I still get allergic reactions to products that claim to be hypoallergenic. I wouldn't mess with that :/
I would read labels and learn if there are any terms that mean cashew but don't say it. Like, limonene is a fragrance derived from citrus, but it is not called "fragrance". I'm glad you made it through whatever situations lead to that diagnosis, and I hope you can find a list online somewhere of skincare/makeup products that are free of nuts and ones to avoid. I have a feeling that exists somewhere.
hey i think i might of had a reaction to bioré blue agave anti-blemish cleansing foam. my skin went puffy and burned is that a possibility?
It sounds like your skin did something
Full disclosure that I haven't finished the whole video yet, but I think your first point about allergies only happening past the first exposure is very confusingly stated. There are so many ingredients in skincare that are refined from various source materials, and there is so much cross-reactivity and potential cross-contamination, that this really just isn't true. If it was the first time you were coming in contact with a newer or more unusual raw ingredient, maybe something like monoi oil for example, then that's more likely to be correct. But otherwise, you've likely come in contact with many of those ingredients in other skincare products, cosmetics, foods, etc. So the first time you use a new skincare product is very likely NOT the first time you're experiencing a specific ingredient, and therefore you can definitely have an allergic reaction.
I have a question. Every time I wear foundation or powder from different brands like benefit, fenty, MAC I get pustules (the ones with white head and pus) on my chin area. What is this condition? How can I get rid of it? Could I have sensitive skin? I hope Kenna or someone else can help me. Thanks!
This might be a dumb question. Could it be acne? Maybe other brands clog your pores more?
Go see a dermatologist!
Great video!!
I totally wish we were like bff's, in real life. LOL. Love your content!!!
Would the reasoning to essential oil allergens be because of pollen? Example if I eat raw fruit/veggies I can have an oral allergy reaction and that’s due to having issues with seasonal allergies as it is
Oils contain several compounds that can be allergenic, not necessarily derived from pollen itself. I'm not a biochemist like Kenna lol, but as an aromatherapist I've learned that if you are allergic to the plant you'll be allergic to the oil, and flower oils (such as lavender, rose, jasmine, etc.) are highly allergenic. People with seasonal allergies or dermatitis are absolutely more prone to develop allergies to oils, and there are other factors such as poor dilution, and excessive application that might contribute to this too. That's why it's so important to interview the client about all allergies, including food ones. I'd rather use an artificially scented massage oil in cases of reported allergies, and even if there are no allergies present it's really best to keep formulations quite low since oils can cause chemical burns if poorly diluted. In general, oils in non supervised applications like cosmetics, should be under more control tbh
Sadae Sparda Thank you for your insight on the matter! I do use oils (YL & dT) and haven’t had any reactions so far. I think the pollen allergen issue is to do when the fruit/veggie is consumed (in my case) so *prayerfully* I’ll avoid the allergic reaction with the oils. But definitely, I do take into account of their potency and mostly use them for aromatics and cleaning purposes over topical and internal! 🙂
So if everything gives me hives on my face, that's an allergic reaction 🤔 to everything? 😔
Probably not honestly. More likely you are having a reaction to an ingredient common to all the products you've tried. If you can't find a common denominator in the ingredient lists I'd say visit a dermatologist.
Do you know if there's another reason you could get hives like a serious systemic allergy? I got hives from stress when I was younger, but that doesn't mean anything about your situation. I would call your doctor (GP/PCP/etc) just in case urgent action is needed. Hives can happen in reaction to products and sun light, amongst other things.
Relax :)
im so early. ily
😀
first