April 8, 2024

Cosmetic skin allergies from food allergies

Recently I was talking to a customer about allergies to cosmetics.  She had food allergies to various nuts especially almonds.  One day when she tried a new facial wash her face turned completely red as if sunburned.  I looked at the online product reviews of the item she used and found a note from a beautician.  She explained that the cosmetic product contained the chemical Mandelic Acid which is derived from almond extract.  This was definitely an auto-immune response to the product used on her face.

Unlike packaged foods, cosmetics typically have no ingredients label making it impossible to know the compounds used in the product.  Best way to avoid this is with a small skin test first.  Give it a day and you'll know. 

Tags: Consumer Product Safety · Cosmetics · Food Allergies