11 Hypoallergenic Makeup Must-Haves Formulated With Sensitive-Skin Types in Mind

Thanks to a recent surge in sensitive-skin friendly skin-care products, finding gentler alternatives to traditionally harsh products like retinols and chemical peels is easier than ever. But finding hypoallergenic makeup that doesn’t cause a flare up? That’s a different story. Even though they offer fabulous results, many popular products on the market still feature ingredients that can trigger rashes, itchiness, and irritation. There are exciting options for people with skin allergies—you just have to know what to look for.

What is hypoallergenic makeup?

Finding hypoallergenic makeup is complicated because the term “hypoallergenic” isn’t exactly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As we’ve learned, anything can be a potential allergen or irritant, so it’s hard to say something is 100 percent hypoallergenic when every single person’s skin is different and unique. Generally, though, hypoallergenic makeup, like mascara, foundation, and blush, is made with less ingredients that commonly cause irritations. Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Macrene Actives, explains that “hypo” means “less than normal,” so in reference to makeup and skincare, hypoallergenic alludes to products that (through less ingredients) are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Popular irritants include fragrances, alcohol, dyes, and more.

When shopping for this type of makeup, looking at the label is your best bet. Doctors like Dr. Alexiades have some general green and red flags to look for when you do.

What to look for in makeup if you have allergies

It doesn’t need explaining that if you have a specific allergy, steer clear of those specific allergens in the makeup itself. From there, Dr. Alexiades explains that if you experience any sensitivity to makeup, seek out options have been tested by the pros, like dermatologists and ophthalmologists. “If you have sensitive skin, look for mineral-based makeup as well as formulas that state they’ve gone through rigorous allergy testing,” she adds.

Some products also have a seal to shoppers know it’s been vetted by professionals and made without common irritants, like the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance and the SkinSafe Seal, which was developed in partnership with MayoClinic.

What to avoid in makeup if you have allergies

If you have a skin condition like eczema or hyper-sensitive skin in general, NYC-based dermatologist, Angela Lamb, MD, says to avoid all makeup that contains fragrance (both synthetic and natural), parabens, or formaldehydes.

“Parabens are preservatives that manufacturers add to products to extend their shelf life, but they commonly cause skin reactions,” Dr. Lamb explains. To tell if a product contains preservatives, check ingredient lists for benzyl alcohol, propylparaben, diazolidinyl urea, and butylparabyn. And to really double down on irritating allergies, Dr. Alexiades adds that avoiding mica, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and essential oils can help, too.

jane iredale PurePressed Blush

With a silky smooth glide and easy blendability, the PurePressed Blush from Jane Iredale builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color. The 14 shades include a variety of colors in warm, cool, and neutral undertones and are designed to suit all skin tones. The formula features a slew of good-for-you ingredients like shea butter and jojoba seed oil, so you can soften and soothe the skin while you wear it.

Shades: 14

Pros:

• Designed with sensitive-skin in mind
• Infused with nourishing ingredients
• Inclusive shade range
• Vegan and gluten-free
• Blendable and buildable