Very often, we come across the direction to conduct patch tests for cosmetics and I bet a lot of us do not give a thought to it. It is expected that commercial products will be safe for use however, some of the ingredients in our cosmetics may be allergenic or cause skin irritation. To ensure that we are not allergic to any of the ingredients in our cosmetic product or to avert irritation break out all over the site of use, it is recommended to conduct patch testing of new products.
To do a test, follow these instructions:
- Clean a small area of skin behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm.
- Apply a small amount of the cosmetic and allow it to dry.
- After 24 hours, wash the area gently with soap and water.
The cosmetic should not be used any more if the area is red, itchy, burning or blistering.
To learn more about how to safely use cosmetics, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cosmetics/cosmetics-safety.html