Start from scratch — with hypoallergenic alternatives — to end the scratching!
You Just Got A Patch Test?
Great! Now you know exactly what you need to avoid and are on the road to skin health, clarity, and comfort. But…what’s that? Your patch test shows you’re allergic to ingredients in pretty much everything you use now? You have to throw it all away — all of it…shampoo, cleanser, lotions, makeup — and start from scratch with hypoallergenic alternatives? That can be scary. So can that “naked” feeling of not using anything at all until you find products without your allergens.
Think about it: you have to go without using anything (including, in many cases, antiperspirant and toothpaste) until you find products you can use…and it may have taken you weeks or months to find all the stuff you use now!
Before you resign yourself to Walking Dead chic, try this: ask your doctor about our Allergen-Free Starter Set or pick up our Skin “Detox” Kit. Either covers all your basic needs so you needn’t panic when beginning your hypoallergenic lifestyle. Each formulation has zero of all 76 of the most common allergens (based on over 28,000 patch tests), making them ideal for the majority of allergic, irritated, or hyperreactive skins. Then, use this chart for an easy guide to hypoallergenic alternatives for your medicine cabinet staples. Still reeling from ingredient lists? Contact us for customized recommendations based on your patch test results!
TRASH & RE-STASH CHART
Match what you need to trash with its hypoallergenic alternative. When in doubt, select products with the highest VH-rating (VH-76/76) — which means they have none of all common allergens.
Still unsure? For customized recommendations based on your patch test results, contact us by email, or drop us a private message on Facebook. To shop our selection of hypoallergenic products, visit vmvhypoallergenics.com.
Have To Trash...
SHAMPOO & SOAP?
Common allergens found in shampoos and body cleansing products include fragrance (including benzyl alcohol and other ingredients not labeled "scents"), parabens, dyes and "amido-amine" surfactants. While not allergens, sulfates can be irritating or drying when present in high concentrations.
Re-Stash With...
ESSENCE CLARK WASH
Sans all allergens and sulfates, Essence Skin-Saving Clark Wash Hair & Body Shampoo helps clear dry, red, flaking or otherwise irritated scalps, underarms and genital areas. It also helps prevent rashes and acne on the forehead, cheeks, and upper neck.
Have To Trash...
YOUR CONDITIONER?
Fragrance and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives tend to be common in conditioners, as are comedogens. Comedogens can clog pores and cause acne, which can make caring for sensitive skin more difficult.
Re-Stash With...
ESSENCE CONDITIONER
With zero allergens and comedogens, Essence Skin-Saving Conditioner also leaves no harmful residue, preventing build-up. For a deep conditioning treatment, try Know-It-Oil virgin coconut oil (comb through wet hair, cover with cling wrap, and let sit for 15 minutes).
Have To Trash...
FACIAL CLEANSER?
In addition to some of the same allergens in shampoos and soaps, facial cleansers can contain rough scrubs which can irritate sensitive skin (and microbeads are bad for the environment). Never use soaps on the face: their pH is too high for facial skin and can be drying/denaturing.
Re-Stash With...
RED BETTER CLEANSER
Allergen free and with a pH level closer to the skin's slightly acidic pH, Red Better Deeply Soothing Cleansing Cream contains anti-inflammatories to help calm and soothe. NOTE: During an active flare-up, even water can sting. Try Know-It-Oil virgin coconut oil instead.
Have To Trash...
YOUR TOOTHPASTE?
Most flavors are allergens (including natural mint), and ingredients called "halogens" (fluoride, chloride, iodide, bromide) can cause rashes, acne or hyperpigmentations around the mouth and chin, and on the jawline, and chronic dryness or flaking of the lips.
Re-Stash With...
ESSENCE TOOTHPASTE
While a flavor-less toothpaste can take some getting used to, Essence Skin-Saving Toothpaste may be the simplest switch for the most impressive transformation, often resulting in quick, dramatic relief and clarity.
Have To Trash...
MOISTURIZER?
Some lotions — even those made for eczema, sensitive skin, or babies — can be loaded with allergens, including natural ingredients, many of which are allergens, such as lavender, flower or fruit extracts, tea tree oil, and vitamin E.
Re-Stash With...
KNOW-IT-OIL
Besides being non-allergenic and non-comedogenic, the fatty acids of virgin coconut oil are native to skin, making Know-It-Oil an ideal barrier-repairing moisturizer. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties are highly beneficial to eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
Have To Trash...
YOUR DEODORANT?
Fragrances (even essential oils) are allergens and can cause redness, itching, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkened skin). Fragrance can also worsen odor in bromhidrosis (excessive sweating & strong odor). Aluminum zirconium can cause bumps.
Re-Stash With...
ESSENCE ANTIPERSPIRANT
Essence Skin-Saving Antiperspirant contains none of the irritating stuff but controls sweating impressively on underarms as well as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Monolaurin provides antibacterial protection to prevent odor.
Have To Trash...
STEROIDS?
Topical steroids are important for bad flare-ups and major emergencies (a few times a year) but are not for long-term use. Months or more on steroids can lead to decreasing efficacy, steroid acne, thinned skin, Cushing's disease, and a "rebound phenomenon" when trying to get off of steroids that can require hospitalization.
Re-Stash With...
BOO-BOO or RED BETTER FLARE-UP BALM
Apply a steroid if instructed by your doctor. But for daily use, coconut oil can prevent irritations. For minor flare-ups, try The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm. For worse flare-ups (with more redness, itching or stinging), Red Better Flare-Up Balm can help. Major flare-ups: call your doctor.
Have To Trash...
YOUR SUNSCREEN?
Sunscreens are vital to prevent photosensitivity and skin cancer, but some are allergens or cause bumps. If you are sensitive, mineral sunscreens may work best. Make sure the rest of the formulation is allergen-free, too.
Re-Stash With...
ARMADA POST-PROCEDURE
Most Armada Sun + Light Screens are excellent choices for all skin types. For extra-sensitive conditions try mineral Armada Post-Procedure Barrier Cream 50+, Armada Baby 50+ or Skintangible.
Have To Trash...
YOUR LAUNDRY SOAP?
Besides dyes, elastics, rubbers and metals in the clothing itself, allergens and comedogens in laundry detergents can cause itching, rashes, hyperpigmentations and other skin concerns.
Re-Stash With...
FAWN & LAUNDER
So allergen-free and mild, you could, in a pinch, bathe with it. Fawn & Launder is ideal for those with extra-dry, sensitive, atopic or hyperpigmented skin; contact acne; or clothing contact dermatitis; for infants; and for babies and kids with sensitivities or allergies.
Have To Trash...
FOUNDATION?
Foundations stay on large portions of facial skin for hours and should be considered skin care. Because facial skin is more exposed to irritants, pollutants as well as sun and light, opt for allergen-free options, ideally with some sun, light, and physical protection.
Re-Stash With...
SKINTANGIBLE
No allergens, just anti-acne, anti-microbial monolaurin and SPF 30 mineral sunscreens, Skintangible "BBBB" (BB But Better) Cream is a great option for very sensitive skin. Combine with Skin-The-Bluff Concealer for added camouflage and coverage. All our foundations are dye-free.
Have To Trash...
COLORED COSMETICS
Dyes (particularly "azo" dyes) aren't just allergens, they're top photo-allergens, too... meaning they can react
with light to cause skin darkening. Colored cosmetics can also have several top allergens, from fragrance to preservatives, cobalt, and even certain metals.
Re-Stash With...
SKINTELLIGENT BEAUTY
With several dye-free options, Skintelligent Beauty eyeshadows, blush, bronzing powder, lipstick, and lip glosses are excellent choices to primp without the pain. Most contain virgin coconut oil and monolaurin for added anti-acne, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
