How To Patch Test MCoBeauty Products
When you have new MCoBeauty products, you want to start using them immediately! But before you add any new cosmetics to your beauty routine, it’s always best to patch test them first. Whether your skin is prone to reactions or you’ve never had a problem before, read on to learn why you should patch test products and how to do it.
What is patch testing?
Patch testing involves putting a small amount of product on your skin and waiting to see if you have any kind of reaction to it. If nothing happens 24 to 48 hours after your patch test, you should be in the clear to add it to your routine. However, if you notice any kind of reaction after your patch test, you should stop using the product as it may not be suitable for you.
Start by patch testing products in an inconspicuous place, like your wrist or inner arm. If you don’t feel or see a reaction, you can then patch test it closer to where you’re going to use them. For example, if it’s a face product, you can patch test on the area of skin below your earlobe on neck.
How to do a patch test
It’s important to only patch test one product at a time. That way, if you experience a reaction there’ll be little doubt about what caused it. Here’s how to patch test a cosmetic product:
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Start by patch testing on your wrist or inner arm first. If that looks and feels fine, patch test again closer to the area where you’ll apply the product (i.e., for face products, this would be the area of skin below your earlobe on neck.)
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Wash and dry your patch test area.
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Apply a small amount of product to your skin, according to the product’s directions.
(E.g., if it’s a rinse-off product like cleanser, apply it then wash it off.)
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Cover the area with a dressing and wait 24 to 48 hours and monitor for any kind of
reaction. If your skin reacts, wash your skin and discontinue use.
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To be extra cautious, repeat the patch test a few times before adding the product to
your routine.
How to patch test MCoBeauty makeup
Trialling face products like our Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter on your skin is easy: follow the patch test steps above. Eye products like our XtendLash Mascara require a bit more precaution. Apply a test patch to your skin first. If your skin doesn’t react, apply it to your eyelids or eyelashes as directed for a short time, then remove it. Still nothing? Go ahead and use it!
It's also important to patch test lip products before using them. Your lips have more nerve endings than any part of your body, making them extra sensitive. This is particularly the case
for products like our Hot Lip Plump, as plumping ingredients can feel irritating to some people. Follow the patch test process by applying it to your skin and then your lips briefly, before wearing it properly.
How to patch test MCoBeauty skincare
Some active skincare products can cause your skin to ‘purge’ as it adjusts to the effects of certain ingredients. These include ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), vitamin C, and retinoids. Purging looks similar to a breakout and can last up to four weeks. It’s a common skin response – but not an allergic reaction.
Check for skin reactions using the patch steps mentioned earlier when introducing new skincare products to your routine – particularly for actives like our Salicylic Foaming Face Cleanser or AHA & BHA Pore Refining Exfoliating Toner. Some people are also sensitive to ingredients in sunscreens, so we suggest doing the same for products like our Super Glow Invisible Face Mist SPF50+ before using them in the sun.
What’s the difference between sensitivity and an allergy?
Being sensitive to an ingredient is very different from being allergic to it. Sensitivity might make your skin feel mildly irritated or look pinker or redder. On the other hand, an allergic reaction can be much more severe.
Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory immune system reaction that happens when you come into contact with a trigger. It’s associated with skin issues like stinging, burning, itching, redness, dryness, cracking or blistering. Similarly, irritant contact dermatitis happens in response to a substance touching your skin and irritating it. This is linked to skin reactions like redness, swelling, itching, rashes, and hives.
If you suspect you’re having a reaction to a product and you’re concerned about it, visit your GP as soon as you can so they can help you treat it.
What does ‘dermatologically tested’ mean?
Some cosmetic products are marketed with claims like ‘dermatologically tested’. This usually means the formula has been clinically assessed by a third party, by applying it to volunteers’ skin and seeing if they experience a reaction. Although this can be helpful to know, it doesn’t mean that you definitely won’t have a reaction. Everyone’s skin is different!
Likewise, products marketed as ‘allergen free’ or ‘hypoallergenic’ are typically formulated without common skin allergens. But again, it doesn’t guarantee anything for your skin.
This is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.