As you shop for skin care products and cosmetics, you will likely quite often see products that have the term "hypoallergenic" on the label. You see hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care on many products and the primary implication of this term is that these products are not as likely to create allergic reactions as are other products that do not have the labeling. This term also implies that products with this labeling are safer and gentler for your skin.

So what's the skinny on hypoallergenic makeup and skincare?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers that there are no federal regulations or standards that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic". This means that the decision to use the term "hypoallergenic" is at the complete discrimination of the cosmetic manufacturer. Furthermore, there are no requirements of proof or research studies to demonstrate that the so-called "hypoallergenic" product does indeed inhibit allergic reactions than other similar products. So, how "hypoallergenic" is hypoallergenic makeup?

The FDA did make an attempt to get a handle on cosmetic manufacturers and govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic". In 1975, as the term "hypoallergenic" was becoming popular, the FDA set forth a regulation that stipulated the term "hypoallergenic" when applied to a cosmetic product could only be labeled so after scientific studies on human subjects had been conducted. Additionally, these tests had to prove that the hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care caused a lower rate of allergic reactions and adverse skin conditions that similar products that were not labeled hypoallergenic.

The manufacturers making the hypoallergenic claim were to be responsible for conducting the required testing and studies that would allow them to market hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care. However, this regulation was ruled invalid by United States courts. This left the manufacturers virtually unregulated and free to label products as hypoallergenic at their own discretion.

Basically, the ingredients for making cosmetics are pretty much the same all through the industry. This is noted in The FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet and indicates that there is not distinct difference in cosmetic ingredients, hypoallergenic or not. It should be noted that cosmetics manufacturers across the industry have taken steps to remove harsh ingredients that were once used in cosmetics and that caused adverse reactions.

While the FDA cannot ensure that products labeled hypoallergenic are actually safe for sensitive skin, rendering the term somewhat useless, consumers can protect themselves by reading product labels. If you have had allergic reactions to certain ingredients in products then avoid those. Certain manufacturers have somewhat of a standard that they have set for themselves regarding the labeling of hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care. If you find a brand that you can tolerate, it is a good idea to stick with that brand. However, you may find that you can tolerate one brand for eye makeup and another for foundation or blush. Nonetheless, it is impossible to guarantee that any product will never produce an allergic reaction, so arm yourself with knowledge, read labels and when you find a brand, or brands, that works stick with it.