Inexplicable allergic reactions? The 8 Allergens in Your Cosmetic Cleanser could be the Cause.
Cadum shower gel boasts a soap-free formula designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Yet closer inspection reveals the presence of eight potential allergens, raising questions. A closer look at the ingredients list reveals a sulfate occupying second position, indicating that it accounts for a substantial proportion of the product. Although this surfactant is not harmful per se, it is nevertheless quite strong and generally recommended for oily rather than sensitive skin.
There are many other cleansing ingredients that are much gentler. On the other hand, this shower gel contains perfume and eight separate allergens.
The list of 26 regulated allergens:
| Allergen | ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE |
| Allergen | AMYL CINNAMAL |
| Allergen | AMYLCINNAMYL ALCOHOL |
| Allergen | ANISE ALCOHOL |
| Allergen | BENZYL ALCOHOL |
| Allergen | BENZYL BENZOATE |
| Allergen | BENZYL CINNAMATE |
| Allergen | BENZYL SALICYLATE |
| Allergen | BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL |
| Allergen | CINNAMAL |
| Allergen | CINNAMYL ALCOHOL |
| Allergen | CITRAL |
| Allergen | CITRONELLOL |
| Allergen | COUMARIN |
| Allergen | D-LIMONENE |
| Allergen | EUGENOL |
| Allergen | EVERNIA FURFURACEA EXTRACT |
| Allergen | EVERNIA PRUNASTRI EXTRACT |
| Allergen | FARNESOL |
| Allergen | GERANIOL |
| Allergen | HEXYL CINNAMAL |
| Allergen | HYDROXYCITRONELLAL |
| Allergen | HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE |
| Allergen | ISOEUGENOL |
| Allergen | L-LIMONENE |
| Allergen | LIMONENE |
| Allergen | LINALOOL |
| Allergen | METHYL 2-OCTYNOATE |
| Allergen | MYROXYLON BALSAMUM PEREIRAE BALSAM EXTRACT |
| Allergen | MYROXYLON PEREIRAE OIL |
| Allergen | MYROXYLON PEREIRAE RESIN |
The composition of Cadum cleanser: AQUA / WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERIN, PARFUM, LAURETH-2, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL / SWEET ALMOND OIL, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, CITRONELLOL, COUMARIN, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, SODIUM BENZOATE
Allergies, a growing public health problem
According to Inserm studies, by 2050, half the population will suffer from one or more allergiessome of which can affect facial skin. In fact, not only the usual culprits, such as dust mites and pollens, are involved, but also new allergens that we haven't had to deal with until now.
New allergens responsible for inflammatory reactions
These newcomers can nestle in the air: pollution and global warming are making certain pollens more aggressive, encouraging respiratory allergies. They sometimes find their way into our household products or homemade cosmetics, and/or those containing exotic active ingredients. They also squat on our plates if they contain ultra-processed foods.
Irritating face wash: a source of skin allergies
Alongside these new allergens, we're also seeing the emergence of problems associated with the use of facial cleansing gels. These products, although designed to remove impurities and dead skin cells, may contain substances that are potentially allergenic for some people.
How to recognize a skin allergy?
Skin allergy is a disturbance of the immune system, corresponding to a loss of tolerance to substances that are a priori harmless: allergens. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling and the appearance of small, fluid-laden pimples.
How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type?
To avoid the risk of skin allergies linked to the use of facial cleansing gels, it is essential to choosing the right product for your skin type. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cleaner:
- Opt for gentle formulas Choose soap-free and alcohol-free cleansers, which are less irritating for the skin. The best cleansing gels for dry skin
- Avoid artificial fragrances and colorants These ingredients can cause allergies and irritation.
- Read the list of ingredients carefully Check if the product contains substances to which you are sensitive or allergic.
- Pre-testing Before using a new product, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of your skin to check for allergic reactions.
What to do in case of skin allergy?
If, despite all these precautions, you experience symptoms of a skin allergy after using an irritating face wash, here are a few tips to soothe your skin:
- Stop using the offending product If you have an allergy: stop using the cleansing gel immediately and consult a dermatologist to determine the exact cause of your allergy.
- Apply soothing creams Itching: cortisone-based products or antihistamines can help relieve itching and redness.
- Maintain skin hydration Use moisturizers adapted to your skin type to prevent it from drying out.
- Choose hypoallergenic products When choosing a new cleanser, opt for dermatologically tested formulas specially designed for sensitive skin.
It's essential to choose the right face wash to avoid the risk of skin allergies. For this, choose gentle products adapted to your skin type, and don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts or allergic reactions.
