Hidden Allergens

Allergy sufferers, especially those with food allergies are usually and understandably concerned about ingredients they consume, so it can be easy to forget they can be present in other everyday items.

Multiple allergens from the Top 14 are used in products like moisturisers, supplements, oils, shampoos, cleaning products and many more. These can still cause reactions just as severe as if consumed, but this does depend on the severity of the persons allergy itself. 

Some allergy sufferers react as soon as they come into skin contact with allergens, severe cases could be air born or close even proximity reactions, or others may have no reaction at all to an allergen on their skin. It’s always best to check those labels (which I am sure has become second nature) and patch test products before trying. I often take my own sample pots to fill with new products, so I can test them over a few days to a week ensuring no reaction occurs. That way I don’t spend and waste money on products we cannot use.

Unfortunately having such allergens in these products, creates another layer of navigation surrounding labels which increases frustrations on finding products that are safe for allergy sufferers.

Egg: 

Often called Albumen & Lecithin can be found in items, some skincare items use the egg white for anti aging, skin tightening and pore clarification. All said, Egg isn't a common ingredient found in large brands, however some homemade skincare recipes can call for use of Egg.

Egg has also been known to be used in soaps. hair conditioners, glue, and repellents. Often Eggshells are used in garden repellents and fertilizers to add nutrients to plants and deter slugs and snails from flower beds. If gardening in an unknown place, make sure to take those garden gloves with you.

Soya:

Soya is known in the skincare world for it's anti aging properties and used usually as an extract ingredient. It is also used as an ingredient to help increase skin hydration, heal the skins barrier in acne treatments and promote hair & nail health. 

Soya is also used in other items like pet foods, supplements, as a thickening agent, added to fertilizer for plant growth and even in crayons and candles.

You can find Soya labels as 'Soya', 'Soy' or 'Glycine Max' on labels, and as with most allergens when they come in contact with the skin, symptoms would show as a rash, itchiness, 

Milk:

Milk isn't often found branded skincare or household products, as it's difficult to keep fresh. It has been known for it's use in cleansers or face masks, but these are mostly homemade recipes. Milk can be considered a binging agent, emulsifier and stabilizing agent, making it a useful ingredient for manufacturers, but meaning it appears in products that don't call for Milk as a main ingredient.

Tree Nuts:

Commonly used for their oils in skincare products, they help to lock in moisture into the skins barrier and act as a lubricant (non internal, to clarify) and oil carrier for therapies like massages and facials.

Seeds:

Similarly used like Tree nuts as oils, seeds get pressed into oils used for base or carrier oils in many therapies or added to skincare products like face masks for moisturizing properties or cleansers.

Gluten - Wheat, Oats and Grains:

Although Gluten cannot penetrate the skin there is still a risk of Gluten skin reactions. Due to this currently there is no requirement for Gluten free ingredients to be used in skincare products. 

Oats specifically they are used often for their skin calming abilities and are added some creams to help treat dry Eczema prone skin, it’s worth checking those labels if you have a Gluten allergy or patch test before product use. 

These crops produce waste which can be used in items such as packaging, pet food and fertilizers, but Gluten can also be found in such items as make up, glue, hair spray, dental sealants, moisturizers, balms, and even detergents.

Fish:

Fish oil is often used in supplements like Cod liver oil, collagen and sources of omega, used to support healthy hair, nails and bone health.  

There are at home remedies that call for fish oil to be added to hair and face masks, to help hydrate the skin after bathing, however these are more homemade recipes than that of larger brands. 

Currently a trending is Fish collagen being used in serums and moisturisers to boost the skins collagen production, so checking for the key words ‘Fish collagen’ and ‘Omega’ will help pinpoint if Fish has been used in formulating a product. 

Crustaceans & Molluscs:

The shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be found in fertilizer for plant nutrients and even sand. They are crushed finely, however with those with a severe allergy it could still cause a very big problem whilst coming into contact. It's recommended to ear gloves hen handling items in the garden anyway, however it's worth checking the bag for ingredients added before use. 

Its also worth pointing out, that as the shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be crushed, they have been used as an abrasive in skincare, either in cleansers or as a form of microdermabrasion - so check before booking those facials to be sure.

Sulphates:

Sulphates are everywhere! They are used in increasing shelf life of not only food products but skincare products , tooth pastes, make up and Sulphates in such products are normally found under sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and other names.

There can be some confusion with he spelling of Sulphates can vary spelt 'Sulphates' or 'Sulfate' but stand for the same thing. The spelling with 'ph' is more English associated.

Egg: 

Often called Albumen & Lecithin can be found in items, some skincare items use the egg white for anti aging, skin tightening and pore clarification. All said, Egg isn't a common ingredient found in large brands, however some homemade skincare recipes can call for use of Egg.

Egg has also been known to be used in soaps. hair conditioners, glue, and repellents. Often Eggshells are used in garden repellents and fertilizers to add nutrients to plants and deter slugs and snails from flower beds. If gardening in an unknown place, make sure to take those garden gloves with you.

Soya:

Soya is known in the skincare world for it's anti aging properties and used usually as an extract ingredient. It is also used as an ingredient to help increase skin hydration, heal the skins barrier in acne treatments and promote hair & nail health. 

Soya is also used in other items like pet foods, supplements, as a thickening agent, added to fertilizer for plant growth and even in crayons and candles.

You can find Soya labels as 'Soya', 'Soy' or 'Glycine Max' on labels, and as with most allergens when they come in contact with the skin, symptoms would show as a rash, itchiness, 

Milk:

Milk isn't often found branded skincare or household products, as it's difficult to keep fresh. It has been known for it's use in cleansers or face masks, but these are mostly homemade recipes. Milk can be considered a binging agent, emulsifier and stabilizing agent, making it a useful ingredient for manufacturers, but meaning it appears in products that don't call for Milk as a main ingredient.

Tree Nuts:

Commonly used for their oils in skincare products, they help to lock in moisture into the skins barrier and act as a lubricant (non internal, to clarify) and oil carrier for therapies like massages and facials.

Seeds:

Similarly used like Tree nuts as oils, seeds get pressed into oils used for base or carrier oils in many therapies or added to skincare products like face masks for moisturizing properties or cleansers.

Gluten - Wheat, Oats and Grains:

Although Gluten cannot penetrate the skin there is still a risk of Gluten skin reactions. Due to this currently there is no requirement for Gluten free ingredients to be used in skincare products. 

Oats specifically they are used often for their skin calming abilities and are added some creams to help treat dry Eczema prone skin, it’s worth checking those labels if you have a Gluten allergy or patch test before product use. 

These crops produce waste which can be used in items such as packaging, pet food and fertilizers, but Gluten can also be found in such items as make up, glue, hair spray, dental sealants, moisturizers, balms, and even detergents.

Fish:

Fish oil is often used in supplements like Cod liver oil, collagen and sources of omega, used to support healthy hair, nails and bone health.  

There are at home remedies that call for fish oil to be added to hair and face masks, to help hydrate the skin after bathing, however these are more homemade recipes than that of larger brands. 

Currently a trending is Fish collagen being used in serums and moisturisers to boost the skins collagen production, so checking for the key words ‘Fish collagen’ and ‘Omega’ will help pinpoint if Fish has been used in formulating a product. 

Crustaceans & Molluscs:

The shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be found in fertilizer for plant nutrients and even sand. They are crushed finely, however with those with a severe allergy it could still cause a very big problem whilst coming into contact. It's recommended to ear gloves hen handling items in the garden anyway, however it's worth checking the bag for ingredients added before use. 

Its also worth pointing out, that as the shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be crushed, they have been used as an abrasive in skincare, either in cleansers or as a form of microdermabrasion - so check before booking those facials to be sure.

Sulphates:

Sulphates are everywhere! They are used in increasing shelf life of not only food products but skincare products , tooth pastes, make up and Sulphates in such products are normally found under sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and other names.

There can be some confusion with he spelling of Sulphates can vary spelt 'Sulphates' or 'Sulfate' but stand for the same thing. The spelling with 'ph' is more English associated.

Egg: 

Often called Albumen & Lecithin can be found in items, some skincare items use the egg white for anti aging, skin tightening and pore clarification. All said, Egg isn't a common ingredient found in large brands, however some homemade skincare recipes can call for use of Egg.

Egg has also been known to be used in soaps. hair conditioners, glue, and repellents. Often Eggshells are used in garden repellents and fertilizers to add nutrients to plants and deter slugs and snails from flower beds. If gardening in an unknown place, make sure to take those garden gloves with you.

Soya:

Soya is known in the skincare world for it's anti aging properties and used usually as an extract ingredient. It is also used as an ingredient to help increase skin hydration, heal the skins barrier in acne treatments and promote hair & nail health. 

Soya is also used in other items like pet foods, supplements, as a thickening agent, added to fertilizer for plant growth and even in crayons and candles.

You can find Soya labels as 'Soya', 'Soy' or 'Glycine Max' on labels, and as with most allergens when they come in contact with the skin, symptoms would show as a rash, itchiness, 

Milk:

Milk isn't often found branded skincare or household products, as it's difficult to keep fresh. It has been known for it's use in cleansers or face masks, but these are mostly homemade recipes. Milk can be considered a binging agent, emulsifier and stabilizing agent, making it a useful ingredient for manufacturers, but meaning it appears in products that don't call for Milk as a main ingredient.

Tree Nuts:

Commonly used for their oils in skincare products, they help to lock in moisture into the skins barrier and act as a lubricant (non internal, to clarify) and oil carrier for therapies like massages and facials.

Seeds:

Similarly used like Tree nuts as oils, seeds get pressed into oils used for base or carrier oils in many therapies or added to skincare products like face masks for moisturizing properties or cleansers.

Gluten - Wheat, Oats and Grains:

Although Gluten cannot penetrate the skin there is still a risk of Gluten skin reactions. Due to this currently there is no requirement for Gluten free ingredients to be used in skincare products. 

Oats specifically they are used often for their skin calming abilities and are added some creams to help treat dry Eczema prone skin, it’s worth checking those labels if you have a Gluten allergy or patch test before product use. 

These crops produce waste which can be used in items such as packaging, pet food and fertilizers, but Gluten can also be found in such items as make up, glue, hair spray, dental sealants, moisturizers, balms, and even detergents.

Fish:

Fish oil is often used in supplements like Cod liver oil, collagen and sources of omega, used to support healthy hair, nails and bone health.  

There are at home remedies that call for fish oil to be added to hair and face masks, to help hydrate the skin after bathing, however these are more homemade recipes than that of larger brands. 

Currently a trending is Fish collagen being used in serums and moisturisers to boost the skins collagen production, so checking for the key words ‘Fish collagen’ and ‘Omega’ will help pinpoint if Fish has been used in formulating a product. 

Crustaceans & Molluscs:

The shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be found in fertilizer for plant nutrients and even sand. They are crushed finely, however with those with a severe allergy it could still cause a very big problem whilst coming into contact. It's recommended to ear gloves hen handling items in the garden anyway, however it's worth checking the bag for ingredients added before use. 

Its also worth pointing out, that as the shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be crushed, they have been used as an abrasive in skincare, either in cleansers or as a form of microdermabrasion - so check before booking those facials to be sure.

Sulphates:

Sulphates are everywhere! They are used in increasing shelf life of not only food products but skincare products , tooth pastes, make up and Sulphates in such products are normally found under sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and other names.

There can be some confusion with he spelling of Sulphates can vary spelt 'Sulphates' or 'Sulfate' but stand for the same thing. The spelling with 'ph' is more English associated.

Egg: 

Often called Albumen & Lecithin can be found in items, some skincare items use the egg white for anti aging, skin tightening and pore clarification. All said, Egg isn't a common ingredient found in large brands, however some homemade skincare recipes can call for use of Egg.

Egg has also been known to be used in soaps. hair conditioners, glue, and repellents. Often Eggshells are used in garden repellents and fertilizers to add nutrients to plants and deter slugs and snails from flower beds. If gardening in an unknown place, make sure to take those garden gloves with you.

Soya:

Soya is known in the skincare world for it's anti aging properties and used usually as an extract ingredient. It is also used as an ingredient to help increase skin hydration, heal the skins barrier in acne treatments and promote hair & nail health. 

Soya is also used in other items like pet foods, supplements, as a thickening agent, added to fertilizer for plant growth and even in crayons and candles.

You can find Soya labels as 'Soya', 'Soy' or 'Glycine Max' on labels, and as with most allergens when they come in contact with the skin, symptoms would show as a rash, itchiness, 

Milk:

Milk isn't often found branded skincare or household products, as it's difficult to keep fresh. It has been known for it's use in cleansers or face masks, but these are mostly homemade recipes. Milk can be considered a binging agent, emulsifier and stabilizing agent, making it a useful ingredient for manufacturers, but meaning it appears in products that don't call for Milk as a main ingredient.

Tree Nuts:

Commonly used for their oils in skincare products, they help to lock in moisture into the skins barrier and act as a lubricant (non internal, to clarify) and oil carrier for therapies like massages and facials.

Seeds:

Similarly used like Tree nuts as oils, seeds get pressed into oils used for base or carrier oils in many therapies or added to skincare products like face masks for moisturizing properties or cleansers.

Gluten - Wheat, Oats and Grains:

Although Gluten cannot penetrate the skin there is still a risk of Gluten skin reactions. Due to this currently there is no requirement for Gluten free ingredients to be used in skincare products. 

Oats specifically they are used often for their skin calming abilities and are added some creams to help treat dry Eczema prone skin, it’s worth checking those labels if you have a Gluten allergy or patch test before product use. 

These crops produce waste which can be used in items such as packaging, pet food and fertilizers, but Gluten can also be found in such items as make up, glue, hair spray, dental sealants, moisturizers, balms, and even detergents.

Fish:

Fish oil is often used in supplements like Cod liver oil, collagen and sources of omega, used to support healthy hair, nails and bone health.  

There are at home remedies that call for fish oil to be added to hair and face masks, to help hydrate the skin after bathing, however these are more homemade recipes than that of larger brands. 

Currently a trending is Fish collagen being used in serums and moisturisers to boost the skins collagen production, so checking for the key words ‘Fish collagen’ and ‘Omega’ will help pinpoint if Fish has been used in formulating a product. 

Crustaceans & Molluscs:

The shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be found in fertilizer for plant nutrients and even sand. They are crushed finely, however with those with a severe allergy it could still cause a very big problem whilst coming into contact. It's recommended to ear gloves hen handling items in the garden anyway, however it's worth checking the bag for ingredients added before use. 

Its also worth pointing out, that as the shells of Crustaceans & Molluscs can be crushed, they have been used as an abrasive in skincare, either in cleansers or as a form of microdermabrasion - so check before booking those facials to be sure.

Sulphates:

Sulphates are everywhere! They are used in increasing shelf life of not only food products but skincare products , tooth pastes, make up and Sulphates in such products are normally found under sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and other names.

There can be some confusion with he spelling of Sulphates can vary spelt 'Sulphates' or 'Sulfate' but stand for the same thing. The spelling with 'ph' is more English associated.

The below list is just a guide of potential places allergens could be incorporated and it’s always worth checking before using such products to avoid a reaction:

Moisturisers: Gluten, Nut oil, Milk, Soya, Seed oil, Sulphates & Fragrance

Cleansers: Gluten, Nut oil, Seed oil, Sulphates & Fragrance

Exfoliants: Egg, Soya, Gluten, Seeds, Sulphates & Fragrance 

Soaps: Nut Oils, Sulphates

Household Cleaners: Nut Oils, Seed oils, Fragrance & Sulphates

Skin Balms: Gluten, Nut Oils, Seed Oils & Fragrance

Face Masks: Nut Oils, Gluten & Fragrance

Compost/Fertilizer: Shells from Crustaceans, Molluscs &, Egg, Soya & Gluten

Pet Food: Milk, Egg, Fish, Soya, Crustaceans & Molluscs

Emulsifier: Eggs, Milk, Seeds & Soya

Toothpastes: Sulphates

Alcohol: Gluten & Sulphates

Packaging (likely more Biodegradable): Seeds, Gluten & Soya

Detergents: Gluten, Sulphates & Fragrance

Supplements: Soya, Gluten, Milk, Fish & Nuts

Wax based products: Nuts, Soya, Sulphates & Fragrance

Paint: Soya, Latex & Sulphates

*Please note these are not guaranteed places of allergens occurring and each product and brands ingredients list will vary*