Frequently Asked Questions
Allergen-free is the term used for a product that has no known allergens in it,
according to the UK list of known allergens. There is also an EU list, which is longer
and now excludes numerous ingredients, many associated with fragrances.
Life Happens Skin Rescue products were tested for allergens included on both lists
and were found to be allergen-free.
Yes, though it is suggested that you use your products soon after purchase rather
than let them sit on the shelf for months. Any product that is opened will be
susceptible to bacteria entering it, especially if water or dirty fingers are put into the
product. Vitamin E is often used in oil products, but that is to help slow down
oxidation of the oils rather than being a preservative. Wax can help to preserve a
balm product.
There are no legal definitions of these terms, so they are often used for marketing.
Allergen-free means that a product is free from known allergens according to the UK
and/or EU lists of known allergens in skincare products. Hypoallergenic only means
that the product is low in allergens, not free from allergens. One has no way of
knowing which allergens are still present or their potency within the product.
Dermatologist-approved simply means someone has asked a dermatologist to look
through the ingredients and comment on the use of that product. It has no specific
link to the outcome of using the product or what ingredients are within it, nor is it
tested and evaluated in any scientific way. Many dermatologists will approve of, and
suggest, products that have allergens, preservatives, skin irritants or other
ingredients in them, provided those ingredients aren’t banned or harmful.
Lotions and creams are mostly water, requiring preservatives and emulsifiers to
blend added oils. Ingredients are listed by quantity, but front labels may highlight
ingredients without specifying their amounts or effectiveness. Many formulas use
fillers like less expensive oils, petroleum, paraffin, and surfactants for volume, cost,
and shelf life, and synthetic fragrances which are inexpensive and can contain any
ingredients. All of these ingredients can be skin-irritating and exacerbate your skin
condition.
Waterless products are far more concentrated and, as in the case of Life Happens
Skin Rescue, free from preservatives and emulsifiers, making them purer, long-
lasting and skin-irritant free. Not all preservatives or emulsifiers are harmful, but this
depends on the type and amount. Big brands have large marketing budgets but are
not always as transparent with the impact of ingredients on the skin, especially for
sensitive skin.
Less is more, especially if your skin reacts. Be discerning and not swayed by cost,
marketing or unclear claims, and always patch test if you have allergies or are prone
to skin reactions.
