5 Common Eye Cream Ingredients That Can Cause Allergies

The skin around your eyes is delicate and sensitive, so it's important to be careful about the ingredients in the eye creams you use. 

Eye creams are a great way to keep the skin around our eyes hydrated and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, some eye cream ingredients can cause allergies, leading to redness, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Here are 5 common eye cream ingredients that can cause allergies:

1. Fragrance  

Fragrance is one of the most common allergens in eye creams. It can be found in both natural and synthetic fragrances.

2. Preservatives

Preservatives are added to eye creams to prevent them from spoiling. However, some preservatives, such as formaldehyde and parabens, can also cause allergies.

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils are often added to eye creams for their fragrance and skin-soothing properties. However, some essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil, can also cause allergies. 

4. Lanolin

Lanolin is a waxy substance that is derived from sheep's wool. It is often used in eye creams because it is moisturizing and helps to protect the skin. However, lanolin can also cause allergies in some people.

5. Retinol

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a superstar ingredient often found in eye creams that are designed to tackle those pesky wrinkles and fine lines. With its impressive anti-aging benefits, it's no wonder retinol is a go-to ingredient in serums and moisturizers.

But, here's the thing – when it comes to the delicate area around your eyes, it's important to remember that retinol has the potential to cause irritation and allergic reactions in some of us. That's why it's crucial to handle it with care when applying it to your eye area. Your eyes deserve the best, so be cautious and give them the love and attention they need.

The skin around your eyes is delicate and sensitive, so it's important to be careful about the ingredients in the eye creams you use. 

Is it the eye cream or your makeup causing an allergic reaction?

Many times, we tend to blame skincare products for allergic reactions when the actual culprit could be our makeup.

Several cosmetic ingredients have been known to cause allergic reactions. The main allergy culprits are: parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde.

For instance, applying eye makeup liberally or using mascara with an expired shelf-life can cause discomfort in the eyes or even lead to inflammation. In these cases, women may be more likely to attribute their allergic reaction to their eye creams or eye serums than their mascara or eyeliner.

If you think you may be allergic to an ingredient in your eye cream, it's important to stop using the cream and see a doctor. Your doctor can help you identify the ingredient that is causing your reaction.

Tips for finding an eye cream that won't irritate your skin:

• Read the ingredient list carefully: Always read the ingredient list before you buy an eye cream. If you see any ingredients that you know you are allergic to, avoid the cream.
• Test the cream on a small area of your skin before you use it on your eyes: This will help you to see if you have any reaction to the cream. We suggest on your neck, just under your chin for testing.
• Start with a small amount of cream: When you first start using a new eye cream, start with a small amount. This will help you to see how your skin reacts to the cream.
• Never use an eye cream on the eyelid just above your eye:  Eye serums and gels/creams are meant to be used around the eye orbit and under the eyes. Creams can travel into the eyes if used on the eyelid near your eye.

If you follow these tips, you can find an eye cream that won't irritate your skin and help you to keep your eyes looking their best.