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Harsh Ingredients and Sensitive Skin

We're guessing it'll come as no surprise when we say that harsh ingredients can be bad for us. But when it comes to the ways they can affect our skin, and the main culprits to watch out for, are we quite so in the know? Time to turn the spotlight on the harsh ingredients and skin signs to look out for, to help you fend off the onset of sensitive skin.

Soap

Soap often contains harsh chemicals and can have a much higher pH than our skin. This can lead to dehydrated, dry and irritated skin, so keep your face wash soap-free for a gentler cleanse.

Denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol can have a dehydrating effect, stripping the skin of its natural oils and damaging skin cells. This weakens the skin's moisture barrier, leaving our skin exposed to (and less able to defend against) external factors like the weather, pollution and irritants. Hello, dry, red, inflamed, rough and sensitive skin. The alternative? Some alcohols (called fatty or stearyl alcohols) are non-irritating and quite okay for skincare. They help the product's texture and help them to stay stable on your bathroom shelf.

Artificial colors and fragrances

Artificial colors and fragrances sometimes contain a cocktail of irritating chemicals, and can lead to rashes, heightened sensitivity, inflammation and redness. Interesting fact: artificial colors and fragrances have zero benefits for our skin. Swap them out for skin-loving ingredients for a quick and easy way to help keep your skin calm.

Household cleaners

Harsh chemicals found in some household cleaning products can irritate our skin, causing it to become red, inflamed, irritated and dry. Try to wear gloves when using these products to prevent the cleaners from coming into contact with your skin.

Discover More

  • Air conditioning and sensitive skin
    Air conditioning and sensitive skin
    Great for keeping us cool when the weather gets hot, but not-so-great for our skin. Discover why air conditioning can increase skin's sensitivity.
  • How cold weather impacts sensitive skin
    How cold weather impacts sensitive skin
    Cold weather factors like low humidity, snow and windchill have a way of making our skin feel more sensitive.
  • How hot weather can impact your skin
    How hot weather can impact your skin
    We've explored how hot weather, UV rays and (even) cooling air conditioning can make skin feel more sensitive
  • Understanding Sensitive Skin
    Understanding Sensitive Skin
    Did you know that all skin can be sensitive skin? Yep! No matter your skin type. Learn more about it here.
  • The impact of stress on sensitive skin
    The impact of stress on sensitive skin
    Stress can sometimes have a negative impact on our skin. Who knew? Find out more about how stress can cause your skin to feel sensitive.
  • How your diet impacts your skin
    How your diet impacts your skin
    A balanced diet with lots of water is the right idea. But how does diet impact your skin? And can your diet make skin feel more sensitive?
  • Sweat, exercise and sensitive skin
    Sweat, exercise and sensitive skin
    Sweat does a great job of cooling us down, yet it leaves skin feeling a bit sensitive when allowed to linger. Discover tips and tricks to help your skin.
  • How pollution impacts sensitive skin
    How pollution impacts sensitive skin
    We know that pollution can make skin feel sensitive. We explore how tiny particles can affect your skin, and how to minimise the impact of city living.
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