What Does Hypoallergenic Mean When on Makeup Packaging?
But let’s start with a real shocker, just discovered by this writer while researching this article. Did you know that “hypoallergenic” means nothing at all? It’s true! The FDA has no requirement in place that systematizes allergy testing for makeup, so any brand that wants to claim its product is “hypoallergenic” may freely do so, to the detriment of makeup wearers with sensitive skin or one of the many allergic conditions so common to modern life. Ditto for “allergy tested”. If it’s a food product, manufacturers must let us know if products may have potential for loosing nut allergies, but you could rub your face, all unknowing, with pure peanut oil if it’s sold to you by a makeup company. The FDA does prohibit the use of super-toxic chemicals, but other than that, (and I quote the FDA regulation) “Cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing.” The FDA doesn’t require them to do any particular testing first.
