Plants are known for their medicinal and cosmetic benefits. They contain various nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents that are useful in treating various skin conditions.
However, not all plants are beneficial for the skin, and some can lead to contact dermatitis when used as an ingredient in skincare products.
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance that causes irritation or allergy, resulting in inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin. In some cases, it can lead to blisters and scaly patches. Plants that contain irritants or allergens can cause contact dermatitis when applied to the skin.
A common plant that can cause contact dermatitis is poison ivy/poison oak. The plant contains a substance called urushiol, which causes an allergic skin rash in many people. Another plant that can cause contact dermatitis is chamomile. Chamomile is a member of a HUGE family of plants called compositae. Although chamomile is known for its soothing and calming properties, it contains a volatile oil, called chamazulene, which can cause skin irritation.
Plants like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus peel, which are commonly used in aromatherapy, can also cause contact dermatitis because they contain terpenes like linalool and limonene. Terpenes irritate the skin when applied in concentrated form. If you take a look around your bathroom, you are very likely to find a bottle or two with linalool or limonene on the ingredients list!
Skincare products that contain plant extracts or essential oils can also cause contact dermatitis. It is important to note that not all plant-based ingredients are harmful to the skin, but it is crucial to know which plants can cause contact dermatitis and avoid using them in skincare products.
At VETTED Dermlab, we understand the importance of using safe and hypoallergenic skincare products. Our truly hypoallergenic skincare products are free from common irritants and allergens, including plant extracts and essential oils that can cause contact dermatitis. Our products are formulated using only the safest and most effective ingredients that have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy.
Natural and botanical does not mean clean
We have made it our business to know which plants can cause skin irritation and allergy and avoid using them in our skincare products.
Sources:
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Contact Dermatitis. https://www.aad.org/public/
diseases/rashes/contact- dermatitis - National Eczema Association. (2020, November 17). Plants and Contact Dermatitis. https://nationaleczema.org/
plants-contact-dermatitis/ - Healthline. (2021, March 2). What Is Contact Dermatitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. https://www.healthline.com/
health/contact-dermatitis - Cleveland Clinic. (2019, September 20). The dangers of natural skin care products. https://health.
clevelandclinic.org/the- dangers-of-natural-skin-care- products/
