Ā Not An Allergen.
While some people prefer not to use petroleum jelly forĀ various reasons, it is very safe on the skin and a standard among dermatologists, especially for occlusive care of barrier-damaged skin or to protect skin and scalps from contact with possible irritants. Petrolatum is also not on published lists of the most common allergens. That said, examine the ingredients closely. Unlike the 100% pure petrolatum in Boo-Boo Balm, some others petrolatums may contain irritants and allergens.
For more…
- OnĀ the prevalence of skinĀ allergies, seeĀ Skin Allergies Are More Common Than Ever.
- For the difference between irritant and allergic reactions, see Itās Complicated: Allergic Versus Irritant Reaction.
- For the difference between food, skin, and other types of reactions: see Skin & Food Allergies Are Not The Same Thing.
- To learn about the VH-Rating System and hypoallergenicity:Ā What Is The Validated Hypoallergenic Rating System?
Main References:Ā
Regularly published reportsĀ on the most common allergens by theĀ North American Contact Dermatitis GroupĀ andĀ European Surveillance System on Contact AllergiesĀ (based on over 28,000 patch test results, combined), plus other studies.Ā Remember, we are all individuals ā just because an ingredient is not on the most common allergen lists does not mean you cannot be sensitive to it, or that it will not become an allergen. These references, being based on so many patch test results, are a good basisĀ but it is always best to get a patch test yourself.
2.Ā Verallo-Rowell VM. The validated hypoallergenic cosmetics rating system: its 30-year evolution and effect on the prevalence of cosmetic reactions. Dermatitis 2011 Apr; 22(2):80-97
3.Ā Ruby Pawankar et al.Ā World Health Organization. White Book on Allergy 2011-2012 Executive Summary.
4. Misery L et al. Sensitive skin in the American population: prevalence, clinical data, and role of the dermatologist. Int J Dermatol. 2011 Aug;50(8):961-7.
5. Warshaw EM1, Maibach HI, Taylor JS, Sasseville D, DeKoven JG, Zirwas MJ, Fransway AF, Mathias CG, Zug KA, DeLeo VA, Fowler JF Jr, Marks JG, Pratt MD, Storrs FJ, Belsito DV. North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012.Dermatitis. 2015 Jan-Feb;26(1):49-59.
6. Warshaw, E et al. Allergic patch test reactions associated with cosmetics: Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2001-2004. J AmAcadDermatol 2009;60:23-38.Ā
7. Foliaki S et al. Antibiotic use in infancy and symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in children 6 and 7 years old: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Nov;124(5):982-9.
8. Kei EF et al. Role of the gut microbiota in defining human health. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2010 Apr; 8(4): 435ā454.
9.Ā Thavagnanam S et al. A meta-analysis of the association between Caesarean section and childhood asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008;38(4):629ā633.
Want more great information on contact dermatitis? Check out the American Contact Dermatitis Society,Ā Dermnet New Zealand, and your countryās contact dermatitis association.
LauraĀ is ourĀ ādewā-good CEO atĀ VMV HypoallergenicsĀ and eldest daughter of VMVāsĀ founding dermatologist-dermatopathologist. She has two children, Madison and Gavin, and works at VMV with her sister CC and husband Juan Pablo (Madison and Gavin frequently volunteer theirĀ āusage testingā services). In addition to saving the worldās skin, LauraĀ is passionate about health, inclusion, cultural theory, human rights,Ā happiness, and spreading (like a VMV cream!) goodness!
[…] Virgin coconut oil and Boo-Boo Balm are also great options on the delicate skin around the eyes. Boo-Boo Balm features VCO’s benefits plus more anti-inflammatory, soothing care with monolaurin, and elevated barrier care with petrolatum. […]