Ingredients to avoid if you have Sensitive Skin. Our formulators guide.

Chartered Scientist, Chartered Chemist & our Founder Bruce Green details the 5 Ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin, in order of priority:

1. Fragrances (Parfum) especially synthetics. In that category are certain essential oils used as fragrance. Go fragrance free / hypoallergenic. While they may make the product smell nice, this artificial addition can aggravate sensitive skin.

2. Ethanol / Alcohol / Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). Avoid anything perfumed and containing alcohol on your skin since these can cause the skin to flare up. Alcohol is a common skincare ingredient and while many skin types can handle it, most people with sensitive skin find it too drying. It strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated, damaged and prone to redness and irritation.

3. Petroleum Distillates (PEG), Propylene Glycol, Petroleum. These are a potential skin irritant.

4. Surfactants – Sulfates. Sulfates can be harsh and drying on sensitive skin, and may cause redness, irritation, and even breakouts.

5. Preservatives – Parabens (all). Parabens are a type of preservative that are commonly used in skincare products to extend their shelf life. However, some research suggests that parabens may be absorbed through the skin and interfere with hormone function. While more research is needed, people with sensitive skin may choose to avoid parabens as a precaution. SOS Serum Skincare uses airless packaging to reduce the preservatives required.

If in doubt, do a home patch test. A small sample on your forearm – if it starts to itch / burn within 5 minutes, don’t buy!

Look at product ingredients on the container: the longer the list, the more potential for a reaction.

Remember: If you have very sensitive skin, use all the SOS Serum Skincare range sparingly.

It’s a question of less is more, because the micro-emulsion creams are designed for thin film effectiveness, using light touch application.