Handcreme — ingredient safety report

• Allergy risk:Fragrance is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy.
• Irritation:Frequent trigger of stinging and redness on reactive skin.

An umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed scent chemicals. Fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics, and dermatologists routinely advise fragrance-free products for eczema, babies and sensitive skin.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable fragrance allergen.

A rose-type scent component on the EU's mandatory-declaration allergen list.

• Irritation:Occasional stinging and irritation, mostly around eyes and on damaged skin.

Today's most common preservative, considered safe by the SCCS up to 1%. French authorities advise avoiding it in wipes and diaper-area products for children under 3 as a precaution.

• Irritation:Milder than glycolic; still increases photosensitivity.

A gentler AHA that exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously; the usual pick for drier or more reactive skin starting acids.

• Irritation:Above ~10% it becomes keratolytic and can sting on broken skin.

A natural moisturizing factor: hydrating below 10%, callus-softening above. Valuable in eczema care despite stinging on open skin.