Sensitive skin is a huge issue for so many of us – and it’s no surprise that using commercial
skincare, cosmetics and baby brands means our skin is exposed to all sorts of allergens and
irritants. New Zealand is seeing growing numbers of children and babies with allergies,
eczema and skin sensitivities; but the daily use of products that contain petrochemicals,
carcinogens and skin irritants is also resulting in huge numbers of women with increasingly
sensitive skin.

Skin irritations normally show as dryness, redness and flaking skin, but others experience
blackheads, acne and clogged, oily pores. The culprits may be perfumes, deodorants,
skincare, cosmetics and even baby creams.

While Kiwis living with full-blown allergies and serious eczema or psoriasis aim to minimise
symptoms, others will find that by switching to less irritating natural products they can
resolve their sensitive skin problems for good.

If you or your children have sensitive skin, we have gentle non-irritating skincare products that will help you reduce the impact – or even get rid of the sensitivity completely. And
moving away from big brand cosmetics to non-toxic makeup may resolve eye and skin
irritation – check out our natural makeup range.

Are your skincare & makeup products a toxic minefield?

With 3,700 substances identified as ‘contact allergens’, there are a bountiful supply of
ingredients in your skincare and cosmetics that can trigger rashes, reactions, dryness,
redness and irritation. Ironically, skincare products that claim to combat dryness or impurities
generally include smoothing emollients or foaming detergents that dry out the skin or clog
the pores, then other ingredients to combat the effect of these as much as possible, so we
end up using moisturisers with twice as many non-natural ingredients, that literally cause the
problem they claim to resolve!

• Petrochemicals – Propylene Glycol is super common, and basically any petrochemical derivative should not be in contact with your skin.
• Acids – like salicylic acid, retinoids, lactic acid and glycolic acid, which can all cause skin irritation, dryness, redness and burning for some skin types, especially if used in excess.
• Synthetic fragrances – find out more here.
• Emollients – Natural or non-natural, these smoothing substances can still irritate and clog certain skin types.
• SLS – Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium laurel sulfate detergents can cause rashes, blemishes, and eye irritation, as well as drying out your hair and skin.
• Aluminium compounds – commonly found in supermarket deodorants
• Minerals – All natural; but not all nice. Look out for reactions to cobalt, chromium – and lead, which is frequently used as a lipstick colourant.
• Formaldehyde – Normally in nailpolish.

Less is often more – review your routines

• Does your skin look better if you use a cleanser, or does a rinse with lukewarm water and a clean flannel leave you just as gorgeous?
• Does toner visibly reduce your pores? Or can you get the same result by moving away from emollient heavy moisturiser by lessening the load on your skin?
• Does your dry hair improve in health if you use a non-toxic shampoo with less harsh detergents and actually wash your hair less often?
• Can you use less products on your baby’s skin?
• What non-natural products can you replace with non-toxic non-allergenic brands?

Oh Natural products for sensitive skin and low irritant cosmetics

We’re passionate about providing gentle non-toxic skincare and deodorants for people with sensitive skin. For soothing creams, bath products, oils and lotions browse our site now. You may be looking for sunscreen, healing creams or eczema creams. Maybe you want mascara that doesn’t irritate your sensitive skin around your eyes, or natural deodorants that don’t create skin irritations? No problem.

Shop the full Oh Natural Sensitive Skin range or browse our natural cosmetics, and order
online.