[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1765},["ShallowReactive",2],{"ingredient-butyrospermum-parkii-butter":3,"ingredient-related-butyrospermum-parkii-butter":281,"product-picks-ingredient-butyrospermum-parkii-butter":1610},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"category":194,"commonProducts":195,"description":200,"extension":201,"faqs":202,"icon":214,"inciName":20,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":217,"localNames":233,"meta":234,"navigation":235,"path":236,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":237,"relatedArticles":246,"seo":259,"seoDescription":260,"seoTitle":261,"severity":262,"slug":263,"stem":264,"subtitle":265,"symptoms":266,"synonyms":271,"tags":276,"updatedAt":279,"__hash__":280},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/butyrospermum-parkii-butter.md","Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":185},"minimark",[9,14,39,50,54,65,81,88,108,112,139,143,175,179],[10,11,13],"h2",{"id":12},"what-is-butyrospermum-parkii-butter","What is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter?",[15,16,17,21,22,25,26,29,30,34,35,38],"p",{},[18,19,20],"strong",{},"Butyrospermum Parkii Butter"," is the INCI (label) name for ",[18,23,24],{},"shea butter"," — the rich, off-white fat pressed from the nut of the ",[18,27,28],{},"African shea tree"," (",[31,32,33],"em",{},"Vitellaria paradoxa",", historically classified as ",[31,36,37],{},"Butyrospermum parkii","). If you've ever copied an ingredient list off a body butter or lip balm and wondered what this mouthful means, it's simply shea butter written the way regulators require.",[15,40,41,42,45,46,49],{},"It's a ",[18,43,44],{},"structural workhorse emollient",": soft and waxy at skin temperature, packed with fatty acids (mostly oleic and stearic) plus a naturally high fraction of ",[18,47,48],{},"unsaponifiables"," — triterpenes and vitamin E — that give it its cushiony, barrier-friendly feel. A large share of moisturisers, balms, body butters, and conditioners lean on it to soften skin and slow water loss.",[10,51,53],{"id":52},"why-it-rarely-causes-problems","Why it rarely causes problems",[15,55,56,57,60,61,64],{},"Shea butter is ",[18,58,59],{},"rarely allergenic"," — true allergic contact dermatitis to it is uncommon, and dermatologists frequently recommend it for ",[18,62,63],{},"dry and eczema-prone skin."," The occasional issues are:",[66,67,68,75],"ul",{},[69,70,71,74],"li",{},[18,72,73],{},"Richness / comedogenicity"," — it's occlusive and rated low-to-moderate on the comedogenic scale, so heavy shea-heavy creams may contribute to breakouts in very acne-prone skin.",[69,76,77,80],{},[18,78,79],{},"A heavy or greasy feel"," some people simply dislike in a daytime product.",[15,82,83,84,87],{},"When someone reacts to a shea-containing cream, the culprit is usually a ",[18,85,86],{},"fragrance or preservative"," in the same formula — not the shea butter itself.",[89,90,93],"callout",{"title":91,"type":92},"Shea is a nut — but not the allergy risk you'd expect","info",[15,94,95,96,99,100,103,104,107],{},"Shea comes from a tree nut, so it's a fair question if you're nut-allergic. But the proteins that trigger tree-nut allergy are ",[18,97,98],{},"largely removed during processing"," — refined shea butter contains only trace, often undetectable amounts, and is widely considered safe even for people with tree-nut allergies. The edge cases are ",[18,101,102],{},"unrefined \"raw\" shea"," and ",[18,105,106],{},"severe"," allergies: if that's you, patch test a small amount first or check with your allergist.",[10,109,111],{"id":110},"how-to-handle-it","How to handle it",[113,114,115,121,127,133],"ol",{},[69,116,117,120],{},[18,118,119],{},"Don't fear it"," — for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin it's helpful, not harmful.",[69,122,123,126],{},[18,124,125],{},"Acne-prone?"," If rich creams clog you, choose lighter gel/fluid textures instead.",[69,128,129,132],{},[18,130,131],{},"Severe tree-nut allergy?"," Patch test on your inner arm first, or ask your allergist — the protein risk is very low but not always zero for raw shea.",[69,134,135,138],{},[18,136,137],{},"Reacting to a shea cream?"," Shea is an unlikely culprit — check the fragrance and preservatives first; patch test to confirm.",[10,140,142],{"id":141},"alternatives-if-you-genuinely-react-or-find-it-too-rich","Alternatives (if you genuinely react or find it too rich)",[66,144,145,155,169],{},[69,146,147,150,151,154],{},[18,148,149],{},"Acne-prone skin:"," gel moisturisers thickened with ",[18,152,153],{},"glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or carbomer"," instead of butters.",[69,156,157,160,161,164,165,168],{},[18,158,159],{},"Want a lighter emollient:"," ",[18,162,163],{},"squalane"," or ",[18,166,167],{},"dimethicone","-based textures give slip without the heaviness.",[69,170,171,174],{},[18,172,173],{},"Confirmed shea sensitivity:"," other plant butters or oils (though cross-reactivity between them is uncommon) chosen against your own patch-test results.",[10,176,178],{"id":177},"the-bottom-line","The bottom line",[15,180,181,182,184],{},"Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is just ",[18,183,24],{}," — a rich, near-ubiquitous plant emollient that softens skin and supports the barrier. Allergy to it is uncommon, and despite coming from a tree nut it's generally safe even for nut-allergic skin because the allergenic proteins are largely refined out. The realistic downsides are richness for acne-prone skin and the occasional severe-allergy edge case — so if in doubt, patch test.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":188},"",2,[189,190,191,192,193],{"id":12,"depth":187,"text":13},{"id":52,"depth":187,"text":53},{"id":110,"depth":187,"text":111},{"id":141,"depth":187,"text":142},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},"emollient",[196,197,198,199],"Body butter & body lotion","Lip balm & hand cream","Face moisturiser & cream","Hair conditioner & mask","A rich plant butter pressed from the African shea tree nut, used as an emollient and occlusive in a huge share of moisturisers, balms, and body creams. Very low allergy risk, and low in the residual proteins that trigger tree-nut allergy.","md",[203,205,208,211],{"question":13,"answer":204},"It is the INCI (label) name for shea butter — the rich fat pressed from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa, historically named Butyrospermum parkii). It is one of the most common emollients in skincare: a soft, waxy butter that softens skin and locks in moisture in body butters, balms, creams, and conditioners.",{"question":206,"answer":207},"Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter safe for sensitive skin?","For most people, yes. True allergic contact dermatitis to shea butter is uncommon, and it is a barrier-friendly emollient often recommended for dry, eczema-prone skin. The main downside is richness — very acne-prone skin may find heavy shea-based creams clogging. If a product bothers you, a fragrance or preservative is a far likelier culprit than the shea butter itself.",{"question":209,"answer":210},"Shea comes from a nut — is it safe if I have a tree-nut allergy?","Generally, yes. The proteins that trigger tree-nut allergy are largely removed during processing, so refined shea butter contains only trace, mostly undetectable amounts and is widely considered safe even for people with tree-nut allergies. That said, unrefined \"raw\" shea and severe allergies are the edge cases — if your tree-nut allergy is severe, patch test a small amount on your inner arm first, or ask your allergist.",{"question":212,"answer":213},"Can shea butter clog pores or cause breakouts?","It can in some people. Shea butter is rich and occlusive, rated low-to-moderate on the comedogenic scale, so heavy shea-based creams may contribute to clogged pores in very acne-prone skin. Lighter gel or fluid moisturisers (thickened with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid instead) may suit oilier skin better.","🌰",null,false,[218,221,224,227,230],{"label":219,"value":220},"What it is","Fat pressed from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa / Butyrospermum parkii)",{"label":222,"value":223},"What it does","Emollient and occlusive — softens skin and slows water loss in creams, balms, and body butters",{"label":225,"value":226},"Allergy risk","Very low — true allergic contact dermatitis to shea butter is uncommon",{"label":228,"value":229},"Tree-nut concern","Refined shea butter contains only negligible nut protein and is generally considered safe even for tree-nut allergy; patch test if your allergy is severe",{"label":231,"value":232},"Comedogenicity","Rated low-to-moderate — rich enough to clog pores in very acne-prone skin",[],{},true,"/learn/ingredients/butyrospermum-parkii-butter",[238,242],{"title":239,"source":240,"url":241},"Emollients and moisturisers — overview","DermNet","https://dermnetnz.org/topics/emollients-and-moisturisers",{"title":243,"source":244,"url":245},"Shea nut butter and tree-nut allergy — protein content","PubMed","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17539040/",[247,250,253,256],{"slug":248,"title":249},"/learn/ingredients/cetyl-alcohol","Cetyl Alcohol",{"slug":251,"title":252},"/learn/ingredients/glycerin","Glycerin",{"slug":254,"title":255},"/learn/ingredients/squalane","Squalane",{"slug":257,"title":258},"/learn/reading-cosmetic-labels","How to Read Cosmetic Labels",{"title":5,"description":200},"Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is shea butter — a rich, moisturising plant butter with very low allergy risk, and generally safe even for tree-nut allergies. Scan any product to check every ingredient against your allergen profile.","Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Safe? Shea Butter Ingredient Guide | AllerNote","low","butyrospermum-parkii-butter","learn/ingredients/butyrospermum-parkii-butter","The rich, near-ubiquitous plant butter behind most moisturisers — very low allergy risk, and safe for almost everyone despite being a tree \"nut\"",[267,268,269,270],"Contact allergy is uncommon","Possible clogged pores / breakouts in very acne-prone skin","A heavy or greasy feel some dislike","Very rare reactions in severe tree-nut allergy (protein content is negligible)",[272,20,273,274,275],"Shea Butter","Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter","Vitellaria Paradoxa","Karite Butter",[194,277,278],"occlusive","ingredient-guide","2026-07-26","5f5XHzUTs9DvkHIygghPosv9Jwl3_-Iek46ZZxDAkyE",[282,500,677,949,1144,1429],{"id":283,"title":284,"body":285,"category":194,"commonProducts":434,"description":439,"extension":201,"faqs":440,"icon":214,"inciName":450,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":451,"localNames":463,"meta":467,"navigation":235,"path":468,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":469,"relatedArticles":475,"seo":484,"seoDescription":215,"seoTitle":215,"severity":262,"slug":485,"stem":486,"subtitle":487,"symptoms":488,"synonyms":494,"tags":496,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":499},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/argan-oil.md","Argan Oil",{"type":7,"value":286,"toc":427},[287,291,317,324,328,335,356,363,367,392,396,422,424],[10,288,290],{"id":289},"what-is-argan-oil","What is argan oil?",[15,292,293,296,297,300,301,304,305,308,309,312,313,316],{},[18,294,295],{},"Argan oil"," is pressed from the kernels of ",[31,298,299],{},"Argania spinosa",", a tree that grows almost only in southwestern Morocco, where it's long been a staple of Berber skin and hair care. Nicknamed ",[18,302,303],{},"\"liquid gold,\""," it's rich in ",[18,306,307],{},"oleic acid"," (~45%), ",[18,310,311],{},"linoleic acid"," (~35%), ",[18,314,315],{},"vitamin E"," (2–3× olive oil's level), and phenolic antioxidants.",[15,318,319,320,323],{},"That balanced fatty-acid profile suits most skin types — oleic acid for rich moisture, linoleic acid for barrier support — and it's a standout ",[18,321,322],{},"hair oil",", adding shine and frizz control without coconut or castor oil's heaviness.",[10,325,327],{"id":326},"why-its-well-tolerated-with-one-caveat","Why it's well tolerated (with one caveat)",[15,329,330,331,334],{},"Argan has a strong safety profile and ",[18,332,333],{},"rare contact dermatitis","; it's not a known comedogenic trigger and is non-photosensitising and pregnancy-safe. Two honest caveats:",[66,336,337,346],{},[69,338,339,342,343],{},[18,340,341],{},"Drupe/nut caution."," Argan is a drupe (stone fruit), botanically like almond and olive rather than a true tree nut. Reactions are uncommon, but ",[18,344,345],{},"severe tree-nut allergy → patch test first.",[69,347,348,351,352,355],{},[18,349,350],{},"Richness."," Its oleic content can feel heavy on ",[18,353,354],{},"very oily or acne-prone facial skin"," — lighter oils (jojoba, squalane) suit those better. On dry/mature skin and hair, the richness is the point.",[15,357,358,359,362],{},"Quality also matters: cheap argan is often diluted or chemically extracted. Look for ",[18,360,361],{},"cold-pressed, 100% pure"," in a dark bottle.",[10,364,366],{"id":365},"how-to-use-it-well","How to use it well",[113,368,369,375,381,386],{},[69,370,371,374],{},[18,372,373],{},"A few drops on the face"," — pat in as a last step or before moisturiser.",[69,376,377,380],{},[18,378,379],{},"On damp hair"," — work through mid-lengths and ends for frizz/shine (keep off oily scalp).",[69,382,383],{},[18,384,385],{},"Layer over water-based products.",[69,387,388,391],{},[18,389,390],{},"Store in a dark bottle"," — light speeds oxidation.",[10,393,395],{"id":394},"alternatives","Alternatives",[66,397,398,404,410,416],{},[69,399,400,403],{},[18,401,402],{},"Oily skin:"," jojoba oil or squalane (lighter).",[69,405,406,409],{},[18,407,408],{},"Intense moisture:"," shea butter or marula oil.",[69,411,412,415],{},[18,413,414],{},"Mild retinoid-like effects:"," rosehip oil.",[69,417,418,421],{},[18,419,420],{},"Nut allergy:"," squalane (sugarcane-derived, no botanical cross-reaction).",[10,423,178],{"id":177},[15,425,426],{},"Argan oil is a versatile, antioxidant-rich, low-allergy emollient that shines on dry skin and hair. Keep two things in mind: it's a drupe (patch test with serious nut allergy), and it can be too rich for oily faces — where a lighter oil is the better call.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":428},[429,430,431,432,433],{"id":289,"depth":187,"text":290},{"id":326,"depth":187,"text":327},{"id":365,"depth":187,"text":366},{"id":394,"depth":187,"text":395},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[435,436,437,438],"Face & body oil","Hair oil / serum","Lip balm","Cuticle oil","A vitamin-E-rich plant oil from the Moroccan argan tree, balanced in oleic and linoleic acids. Low allergy and non-photosensitising; richer feel suits dry skin and hair more than very oily skin.",[441,444,447],{"question":442,"answer":443},"Is argan oil safe if I have a nut allergy?","Argan is technically a drupe (stone fruit), like almond and olive, not a true tree nut — and reactions are rare. But people with severe tree-nut allergies should patch test on the inner arm before broad use, or choose a non-botanical option like squalane to avoid any cross-reaction question entirely.",{"question":445,"answer":446},"Will argan oil clog my pores?","It is not a notable comedogenic trigger, but it is relatively oleic-rich, so it can feel heavy and be too rich for very oily or acne-prone facial skin. For those skin types, jojoba or squalane are lighter. On dry/mature skin and on hair, argan's richness is an asset, not a problem.",{"question":448,"answer":449},"Why does cheap argan oil sometimes do nothing?","Quality varies a lot. Inexpensive \"argan oil\" is frequently diluted, blended with cheaper oils, or chemically extracted (losing antioxidants). Look for \"cold-pressed, 100% pure\" argan in a dark bottle from a reputable source — adulterated products are common and underperform.","Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil",[452,454,457,460],{"label":219,"value":453},"Oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree (a drupe/stone fruit)",{"label":455,"value":456},"Vitamin E rich","2–3x the vitamin E of olive oil, plus phenolic antioxidants",{"label":458,"value":459},"Fatty-acid balance","~45% oleic, ~35% linoleic — versatile, but the oleic richness can feel heavy on oily skin",{"label":461,"value":462},"Allergy note","Low allergy overall; a drupe (like almond/olive), so patch test with severe tree-nut allergy",[464,465,466],"Huile d'argan","Arganöl","Aceite de argán",{},"/learn/ingredients/argan-oil",[470,473],{"title":471,"source":244,"url":472},"Argan oil — composition and dermatologic uses","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26171789/",{"title":474,"source":240,"url":241},"Emollients and plant oils — overview",[476,479,482,483],{"slug":477,"title":478},"/learn/ingredients/jojoba-oil","Jojoba Oil",{"slug":480,"title":481},"/learn/ingredients/marula-oil","Marula Oil",{"slug":254,"title":255},{"slug":257,"title":258},{"title":284,"description":439},"argan-oil","learn/ingredients/argan-oil","Moroccan \"liquid gold\" — a vitamin-E-rich, well-tolerated emollient for skin and hair, with a stone-fruit (drupe) allergy caveat",[489,490,491,492,493],"Very rare allergic reactions","Tree-nut/drupe allergy caution","Can feel heavy / be too rich for oily, acne-prone facial skin","No sun sensitivity","Pregnancy-safe",[450,495],"Moroccan Argan Oil",[194,278,497],"oil","2026-06-04","VK7BWYz8ei_82Jul4aBBwij7RGXuNoBqQn8hZXxR5vI",{"id":501,"title":249,"body":502,"category":194,"commonProducts":619,"description":624,"extension":201,"faqs":625,"icon":635,"inciName":249,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":636,"localNames":215,"meta":647,"navigation":235,"path":248,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":648,"relatedArticles":654,"seo":661,"seoDescription":662,"seoTitle":663,"severity":262,"slug":664,"stem":665,"subtitle":666,"symptoms":667,"synonyms":671,"tags":675,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":676},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/cetyl-alcohol.md",{"type":7,"value":503,"toc":612},[504,508,529,532,534,540,553,564,570,572,590,594,607,609],[10,505,507],{"id":506},"what-is-cetyl-alcohol","What is cetyl alcohol?",[15,509,510,513,514,517,518,521,522,525,526],{},[18,511,512],{},"Cetyl alcohol"," is a ",[18,515,516],{},"fatty alcohol"," — a long-chain alcohol derived from plant or synthetic fats. Despite the word \"alcohol,\" it is ",[18,519,520],{},"not"," the drying kind: fatty alcohols are oily, waxy substances that ",[18,523,524],{},"thicken creams, stabilise emulsions, and soften skin."," Cetyl alcohol is one of the most common ingredients in moisturisers, conditioners, and creams, usually appearing alongside relatives like ",[18,527,528],{},"stearyl, cetearyl, or behenyl alcohol.",[15,530,531],{},"It's a structural workhorse: a huge share of lotions and creams would separate or feel thin without a fatty alcohol doing the thickening.",[10,533,53],{"id":52},[15,535,536,537,539],{},"Cetyl alcohol is ",[18,538,59],{}," — true allergic contact dermatitis to it is uncommon. The occasional issues are:",[66,541,542,548],{},[69,543,544,547],{},[18,545,546],{},"Mild irritation"," on very sensitive or damaged skin (usually irritant, not allergic, and often dose-dependent).",[69,549,550,552],{},[18,551,231],{}," — rated ~2/5; fine for most, but rich, fatty-alcohol-heavy creams may contribute to breakouts in very acne-prone skin.",[15,554,555,556,559,560,563],{},"The biggest \"problem\" is actually a ",[18,557,558],{},"misunderstanding",": people see \"alcohol\" and assume it's drying. Cetyl alcohol is the opposite — it supports the skin barrier. The drying ones to recognise are ",[18,561,562],{},"ethanol, alcohol denat., and isopropyl alcohol",", which are entirely different.",[89,565,567],{"title":566,"type":92},"Two very different 'alcohols'",[15,568,569],{},"Fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, behenyl) = waxy, moisturising, barrier-friendly. Simple/drying alcohols (ethanol, alcohol denat., isopropyl) = volatile, can be drying on sensitive skin. Same word, opposite behaviour — don't avoid a good moisturiser because it lists \"cetyl alcohol.\"",[10,571,111],{"id":110},[113,573,574,579,584],{},[69,575,576,578],{},[18,577,119],{}," — for dry/sensitive skin it's helpful, not drying.",[69,580,581,583],{},[18,582,125],{}," If rich creams clog you, choose lighter gel/fluid textures.",[69,585,586,589],{},[18,587,588],{},"Reacting to many creams?"," Cetyl alcohol is an unlikely culprit — check fragrance/preservatives first; patch test to confirm if needed.",[10,591,593],{"id":592},"alternatives-if-you-genuinely-react","Alternatives (if you genuinely react)",[66,595,596,601],{},[69,597,598,600],{},[18,599,149],{}," gel moisturisers thickened with carbomer, xanthan gum, or sodium hyaluronate.",[69,602,603,606],{},[18,604,605],{},"Confirmed fatty-alcohol sensitivity:"," silicone-based (dimethicone) or squalane/oil-based light textures.",[10,608,178],{"id":177},[15,610,611],{},"Cetyl alcohol is a benign, near-ubiquitous fatty alcohol that thickens and softens your creams — moisturising, not drying, and only rarely a problem. Don't confuse it with the drying alcohols; if a cream bothers you, the fragrance or preservative is a far likelier cause.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":613},[614,615,616,617,618],{"id":506,"depth":187,"text":507},{"id":52,"depth":187,"text":53},{"id":110,"depth":187,"text":111},{"id":592,"depth":187,"text":593},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[620,621,622,623],"Lotion & cream","Hair conditioner","Cleanser / makeup remover","Foundation","A waxy fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in most creams and conditioners. Not a drying alcohol; rarely allergenic, mildly comedogenic for some.",[626,629,632],{"question":627,"answer":628},"Is cetyl alcohol drying or bad for my skin like other alcohols?","No — this is the most common misconception. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol: a waxy, oily substance that softens skin and stabilises creams. It is chemically nothing like the drying alcohols (ethanol, alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol). If you have dry or sensitive skin, fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol are generally helpful, not harmful.",{"question":630,"answer":631},"Can cetyl alcohol cause breakouts?","For most people, no. It rates about 2/5 on the comedogenic scale, but in very acne-prone skin, rich creams with a lot of fatty alcohols can occasionally contribute to clogged pores. If heavy creams break you out, lighter gel or fluid textures (thickened with carbomers, xanthan gum, or hyaluronic acid instead) may suit you better.",{"question":633,"answer":634},"Is cetyl alcohol a common allergen?","No — true allergic contact dermatitis to cetyl alcohol is uncommon. When people react to a cream \"because of the alcohol,\" it is usually either the mistaken fear of fatty alcohols, mild irritation on compromised skin, or actually a different ingredient (a fragrance or preservative). It can cross-react within the fatty-alcohol family (stearyl, cetearyl), but that is also uncommon.","💧",[637,640,642,644],{"label":638,"value":639},"Not a drying alcohol","A fatty alcohol (like stearyl/cetearyl) — moisturising and waxy, the opposite of ethanol/alcohol denat.",{"label":222,"value":641},"Emulsifier, thickener, and emollient in a large share of creams and conditioners",{"label":231,"value":643},"Rated ~2/5 — low-to-moderate; may contribute to breakouts in some acne-prone users",{"label":645,"value":646},"Reaction type","Usually mild irritation if anything; true contact allergy is uncommon",{},[649,651],{"title":650,"source":240,"url":241},"Fatty alcohols in cosmetics — overview",{"title":652,"source":244,"url":653},"Cetyl/stearyl alcohol contact allergy — review","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18627684/",[655,658,659,660],{"slug":656,"title":657},"/learn/ingredients/alcohol-denat","Alcohol Denat.",{"slug":251,"title":252},{"slug":254,"title":255},{"slug":257,"title":258},{"title":249,"description":624},"Cetyl alcohol is a moisturising fatty alcohol — completely different from drying alcohols and very low allergy risk. Scan your products to check all ingredients against your allergen profile.","Is Cetyl Alcohol Safe? Fatty Alcohol Guide for Sensitive Skin | AllerNote","cetyl-alcohol","learn/ingredients/cetyl-alcohol","A fatty alcohol that thickens and softens creams — moisturising, not drying, despite the scary-sounding \"alcohol\" name",[668,669,670,267],"Mild redness or itch in rare cases (usually irritant, not allergic)","Possible clogged pores in very acne-prone skin","A heavy/greasy feel some dislike",[249,672,673,674],"Hexadecan-1-ol","Palmityl Alcohol","C16 Alcohol",[194,278],"SGAGMSlnjxNwDmA1QQljnZuOrR1_vygFvhUkTfYLqvQ",{"id":678,"title":679,"body":680,"category":194,"commonProducts":880,"description":885,"extension":201,"faqs":886,"icon":896,"inciName":897,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":898,"localNames":911,"meta":916,"navigation":235,"path":917,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":918,"relatedArticles":925,"seo":932,"seoDescription":215,"seoTitle":215,"severity":933,"slug":934,"stem":935,"subtitle":936,"symptoms":937,"synonyms":942,"tags":947,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":948},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/coconut-oil.md","Coconut Oil",{"type":7,"value":681,"toc":872},[682,686,700,706,710,713,735,738,774,781,785,799,801,832,834,859,861],[10,683,685],{"id":684},"what-is-coconut-oil","What is coconut oil?",[15,687,688,691,692,695,696,699],{},[18,689,690],{},"Coconut oil"," is pressed from the meat of mature coconuts and has been used in hair, skin, and food care for centuries. It's solid below ~24°C and liquid above, giving it a distinctive \"melting\" texture, and it's unusually high in ",[18,693,694],{},"saturated fat"," — about ",[18,697,698],{},"50% lauric acid",", the most of any common plant oil. Lauric acid has antibacterial properties, which underpins many of coconut oil's traditional uses.",[15,701,702,703],{},"The headline for a skincare context is a split decision: ",[18,704,705],{},"great for hair, frequently a problem for facial skin.",[10,707,709],{"id":708},"why-it-helps-hair-but-troubles-faces","Why it helps hair but troubles faces",[15,711,712],{},"Coconut oil's high lauric acid content is both its strength and its weakness:",[66,714,715,725],{},[69,716,717,720,721,724],{},[18,718,719],{},"On hair",", lauric acid's small molecule actually ",[18,722,723],{},"penetrates the hair shaft",", reducing protein loss and breakage — something most oils can't do. That's why it's one of the best oils for damaged, dry, or coloured hair.",[69,726,727,730,731,734],{},[18,728,729],{},"On facial skin",", the same chemistry is ",[18,732,733],{},"highly comedogenic",": it wedges into pores, combines with sebum, and triggers whiteheads, blackheads, and acne flares.",[15,736,737],{},"So comedogenicity, not allergy, is the real story here. By skin area:",[66,739,740,746,752,758,764],{},[69,741,742,745],{},[18,743,744],{},"Acne-prone / oily face"," — avoid as a facial moisturiser; it reliably breaks people out.",[69,747,748,751],{},[18,749,750],{},"Very dry, non-acne-prone face"," — may tolerate it, though gentler oils exist.",[69,753,754,757],{},[18,755,756],{},"Body"," — generally fine on non-acne-prone areas.",[69,759,760,763],{},[18,761,762],{},"Hair"," — excellent for most hair types.",[69,765,766,769,770,773],{},[18,767,768],{},"Dandruff- or fungal-acne-prone scalp"," — avoid; it can feed ",[31,771,772],{},"Malassezia"," yeast.",[89,775,778],{"title":776,"type":777},"Comedogenic and fungal-acne, not allergy","tip",[15,779,780],{},"When people say coconut oil \"broke them out,\" it's usually clogged pores or a fungal-acne flare — not an immune allergy. That distinction matters: the fix is choosing a non-comedogenic oil (like squalane), not avoiding \"an allergen.\" If you instead get true hives or an itchy rash, that's worth a closer look.",[10,782,784],{"id":783},"the-fractionated-version","The fractionated version",[15,786,787,790,791,794,795,798],{},[18,788,789],{},"Fractionated coconut oil"," — listed as ",[18,792,793],{},"Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride"," — has the lauric acid removed, leaving a light, liquid, ",[18,796,797],{},"non-comedogenic"," oil used widely in cosmetics. If you like coconut-derived ingredients but not the pore-clogging, that's the form to look for.",[10,800,366],{"id":365},[113,802,803,809,815,821,826],{},[69,804,805,808],{},[18,806,807],{},"Hair and body, not face"," — especially if you're acne-prone.",[69,810,811,814],{},[18,812,813],{},"Warm it for a scalp/hair massage",", leave 30 minutes (or overnight) before washing.",[69,816,817,820],{},[18,818,819],{},"Choose virgin/cold-pressed"," for more antioxidants if using on hair/body.",[69,822,823],{},[18,824,825],{},"Avoid on fungal acne and dandruff-prone scalp.",[69,827,828,831],{},[18,829,830],{},"For the face, switch to"," squalane or another non-comedogenic oil.",[10,833,395],{"id":394},[66,835,836,842,847,853],{},[69,837,838,841],{},[18,839,840],{},"Facial moisturising:"," squalane, jojoba, marula, or rosehip oil.",[69,843,844,846],{},[18,845,149],{}," squalane (the safest face oil to start with).",[69,848,849,852],{},[18,850,851],{},"Lighter hair/skin oil:"," fractionated coconut oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride).",[69,854,855,858],{},[18,856,857],{},"Fungal-acne-safe:"," squalane and jojoba don't feed Malassezia the way many oils do.",[10,860,178],{"id":177},[15,862,863,864,867,868,871],{},"Coconut oil is a brilliant hair oil and a risky face oil — not because it's an allergen, but because it's strongly ",[18,865,866],{},"comedogenic"," and can ",[18,869,870],{},"feed fungal acne."," Keep it to hair and body, reach for squalane or the fractionated version for facial use, and treat coconut-oil \"breakouts\" as a pore problem, not an allergy.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":873},[874,875,876,877,878,879],{"id":684,"depth":187,"text":685},{"id":708,"depth":187,"text":709},{"id":783,"depth":187,"text":784},{"id":365,"depth":187,"text":366},{"id":394,"depth":187,"text":395},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[881,882,437,883,884],"Hair oil & masks","Body moisturizer","Cleansing oil / balm","Baby massage oil","A highly occlusive plant oil that penetrates hair well but clogs facial pores for many people, and can worsen fungal acne (Malassezia). Rarely a true allergen; the issue is comedogenicity, not allergy.",[887,890,893],{"question":888,"answer":889},"Is coconut oil good or bad for skin?","It depends entirely on where you use it. On hair it is genuinely excellent — its lauric acid penetrates the shaft and reduces protein loss. On the face it is highly comedogenic and reliably causes breakouts in acne-prone people. So \"good for hair, risky for faces\" is the honest summary, and using separate products for hair and face is the practical fix.",{"question":891,"answer":892},"Can coconut oil cause fungal acne?","It can worsen it. Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is driven by a yeast that feeds on certain lipids, and coconut oil can act as a feeding source — so it can aggravate fungal acne and dandruff-prone, seborrheic scalps. If you have small uniform itchy bumps that do not respond to normal acne treatment, coconut oil (and many other oils) are worth removing.",{"question":894,"answer":895},"Am I allergic to coconut oil?","True allergy to coconut oil is uncommon. Most \"reactions\" are comedogenic breakouts (clogged pores) or fungal-acne flares rather than an immune allergy. If you get genuine itchy rash/hives rather than pimples, that is worth investigating — but for most people the problem is pore-clogging, not allergy.","🥥","Cocos Nucifera Oil",[899,902,905,908],{"label":900,"value":901},"Why it suits hair","High lauric acid penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and breakage",{"label":903,"value":904},"Why it troubles faces","The same lauric-acid chemistry is highly comedogenic — it clogs facial pores",{"label":906,"value":907},"Fungal acne","Can feed Malassezia yeast, worsening fungal acne and dandruff-prone scalp",{"label":909,"value":910},"Lighter version","Fractionated coconut oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) removes lauric acid and is far less pore-clogging",[912,913,914,915],"Huile de coco","Kokosöl","Olio di cocco","Aceite de coco",{},"/learn/ingredients/coconut-oil",[919,922],{"title":920,"source":240,"url":921},"Comedogenicity of cosmetic oils — overview","https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-cosmetica",{"title":923,"source":244,"url":924},"Coconut oil effects on skin and hair — review","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/",[926,927,928,931],{"slug":254,"title":255},{"slug":477,"title":478},{"slug":929,"title":930},"/learn/natural-ingredients-myth","The Natural Ingredients Myth",{"slug":257,"title":258},{"title":679,"description":885},"medium","coconut-oil","learn/ingredients/coconut-oil","Excellent for hair, frequently a problem for facial skin — highly comedogenic and a known feeder of fungal acne",[938,939,940,941],"Comedogenic — facial breakouts are common in acne-prone users","Can worsen fungal acne (Malassezia) and seborrheic/dandruff-prone scalp","True allergic reactions are rare","No sun sensitivity; generally fine on body and hair",[897,943,944,945,946],"Virgin Coconut Oil","Refined Coconut Oil","Fractionated Coconut Oil","Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated)",[194,278,497],"wSTlqtoOdh9Ua1DUrbr40ViIk5UX4qxHhuUFZFx8PY4",{"id":950,"title":478,"body":951,"category":194,"commonProducts":1089,"description":1094,"extension":201,"faqs":1095,"icon":1105,"inciName":1106,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":1107,"localNames":1118,"meta":1122,"navigation":235,"path":477,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":1123,"relatedArticles":1128,"seo":1133,"seoDescription":215,"seoTitle":215,"severity":262,"slug":1134,"stem":1135,"subtitle":1136,"symptoms":1137,"synonyms":1139,"tags":1142,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":1143},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/jojoba-oil.md",{"type":7,"value":952,"toc":1082},[953,957,975,986,990,997,1022,1024,1055,1057,1077,1079],[10,954,956],{"id":955},"what-is-jojoba-oil","What is jojoba oil?",[15,958,959,962,963,966,967,970,971,974],{},[18,960,961],{},"Jojoba oil"," comes from the seeds of ",[31,964,965],{},"Simmondsia chinensis",", a desert shrub. Despite the name, it's chemically a ",[18,968,969],{},"liquid wax ester"," rather than a true oil — and it's remarkably close in structure to ",[18,972,973],{},"human sebum",", the oil your skin makes. That similarity is why it plays well with all skin types: it can supplement dry skin and sit comfortably on oily skin without the heavy, pore-clogging feel of richer oils.",[15,976,977,978,981,982,985],{},"It has a ",[18,979,980],{},"low comedogenic rating"," (~2/5), is non-sensitising, ",[18,983,984],{},"shelf-stable",", and mildly antioxidant (it contains vitamin E).",[10,987,989],{"id":988},"why-its-so-well-tolerated","Why it's so well tolerated",[15,991,992,993,996],{},"Jojoba has one of the strongest safety profiles of any plant-derived skincare ingredient — ",[18,994,995],{},"contact dermatitis is almost unheard of",", and it's rated safe at all cosmetic concentrations. Unlike coconut oil it rarely breaks people out, and unlike essential oils it has no fragrance allergens.",[66,998,999,1005,1011,1017],{},[69,1000,1001,1004],{},[18,1002,1003],{},"Shelf-stable"," — keeps ~2 years without going rancid.",[69,1006,1007,1010],{},[18,1008,1009],{},"All skin types"," — light moisture for dry skin, sebum-like compatibility for oily skin.",[69,1012,1013,1016],{},[18,1014,1015],{},"Not a nut"," — unrelated to tree nuts; generally fine for nut-allergic users.",[69,1018,1019],{},[18,1020,1021],{},"Pregnancy-safe.",[10,1023,366],{"id":365},[113,1025,1026,1032,1038,1044,1049],{},[69,1027,1028,1031],{},[18,1029,1030],{},"A few drops"," — a little goes a long way.",[69,1033,1034,1037],{},[18,1035,1036],{},"Layer after water-based products"," (serums), before or as the final step.",[69,1039,1040,1043],{},[18,1041,1042],{},"Great for oil cleansing"," — massage on, wipe off with a warm cloth.",[69,1045,1046],{},[18,1047,1048],{},"Good as a light scalp/hair oil.",[69,1050,1051,1054],{},[18,1052,1053],{},"Store cool and dark"," — stable, but heat still shortens life.",[10,1056,395],{"id":394},[66,1058,1059,1065,1071],{},[69,1060,1061,1064],{},[18,1062,1063],{},"Even more inert:"," squalane (close feel, essentially zero allergy).",[69,1066,1067,1070],{},[18,1068,1069],{},"Richer moisture:"," argan or marula oil, shea butter.",[69,1072,1073,1076],{},[18,1074,1075],{},"Fragrance-free:"," plain refined jojoba without added essential oils.",[10,1078,178],{"id":177},[15,1080,1081],{},"Jojoba is the safe, sebum-like \"everyone\" oil — low-comedogenic, shelf-stable, fragrance-free, and with allergy effectively off the table (and it's not a nut). If you want a face oil that suits oily and sensitive skin alike, it's one of the easiest choices.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":1083},[1084,1085,1086,1087,1088],{"id":955,"depth":187,"text":956},{"id":988,"depth":187,"text":989},{"id":365,"depth":187,"text":366},{"id":394,"depth":187,"text":395},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[1090,1091,1092,437,1093],"Face oil","Moisturizer","Cleansing oil","Hair/scalp oil","A liquid wax ester from the jojoba plant that closely resembles human sebum. Low comedogenicity, oxidation-stable, and very low allergy risk; not a tree nut.",[1096,1099,1102],{"question":1097,"answer":1098},"Will jojoba oil break me out?","Rarely. It rates about 2/5 on the comedogenic scale and, because it is chemically a wax ester very similar to your own sebum, it absorbs cleanly and is one of the few oils generally considered safe even for oily and acne-prone skin. Use a few drops; overusing any oil can feel heavy.",{"question":1100,"answer":1101},"I have a nut allergy — is jojoba safe?","Despite the name, jojoba is not a tree nut and is botanically unrelated to common nut allergens, so it is generally fine for nut-allergic users. As with anything, patch test if you have severe, wide-ranging allergies — but jojoba is not on the usual nut-allergy watchlist.",{"question":1103,"answer":1104},"Why doesn't jojoba go rancid like other oils?","Because it is a wax ester rather than a typical triglyceride oil, it is far more resistant to oxidation — it keeps for around two years and does not develop the \"off\" smell that polyunsaturated oils (like rosehip) get within months. That stability also means fewer oxidation by-products that could irritate skin.","🌿","Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil",[1108,1111,1114,1116],{"label":1109,"value":1110},"Not an oil — a wax","Chemically a liquid wax ester, the closest plant match to human sebum",{"label":1112,"value":1113},"Low comedogenic","Rated ~2/5 — rarely clogs pores, even on oily/acne-prone skin",{"label":1003,"value":1115},"Resists rancidity and stores well (2+ years), unlike most plant oils",{"label":1015,"value":1117},"Despite the name, unrelated to tree nuts — generally fine for nut-allergic users",[1119,1120,1121],"Huile de jojoba","Jojobaöl","Aceite de jojoba",{},[1124,1127],{"title":1125,"source":244,"url":1126},"Plant oils in dermatology — review","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/",{"title":239,"source":240,"url":241},[1129,1130,1131,1132],{"slug":254,"title":255},{"slug":468,"title":284},{"slug":917,"title":679},{"slug":257,"title":258},{"title":478,"description":1094},"jojoba-oil","learn/ingredients/jojoba-oil","A liquid wax that mimics skin's own sebum — low-comedogenic, shelf-stable, and about as low-allergy as a face oil gets",[489,1138,492,493],"Suits oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin",[1106,1140,1141],"Jojoba Wax","Jojoba Ester",[194,278,497],"ZHP78FzzuOwHmX11HJvpQ2m1XdjdnB-nQUtoDQLtteA",{"id":1145,"title":1146,"body":1147,"category":194,"commonProducts":1352,"description":1357,"extension":201,"faqs":1358,"icon":1368,"inciName":1157,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":1369,"localNames":1381,"meta":1386,"navigation":235,"path":1387,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":1388,"relatedArticles":1395,"seo":1408,"seoDescription":1409,"seoTitle":1410,"severity":262,"slug":1411,"stem":1412,"subtitle":1413,"symptoms":1414,"synonyms":1420,"tags":1426,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":1428},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/lanolin.md","Lanolin (Wool Wax)",{"type":7,"value":1148,"toc":1343},[1149,1153,1163,1173,1177,1200,1207,1211,1218,1249,1253,1303,1307,1327,1331,1334,1336],[10,1150,1152],{"id":1151},"what-is-lanolin","What is lanolin?",[15,1154,1155,1158,1159,1162],{},[18,1156,1157],{},"Lanolin"," is a natural wax extracted from sheep's wool (the sheep are shorn, not harmed). Chemically it's a rich mixture of esters, fatty acids, and lanolin alcohols that closely mimics the lipids in human skin — which is exactly why it's such a good ",[18,1160,1161],{},"emollient and barrier-repair ingredient",". It seals in moisture and helps a damaged skin barrier recover, and it's been used in skincare and medicine for over a century.",[15,1164,1165,1166,103,1169,1172],{},"You'll find it in lip balms, heavy moisturisers and barrier creams, nipple creams for breastfeeding, diaper-rash creams, and some conditioners. For the great majority of people, lanolin is safe and genuinely useful. For a minority, it's an allergen — and the ",[31,1167,1168],{},"who",[31,1170,1171],{},"where"," of that allergy is the interesting part.",[10,1174,1176],{"id":1175},"the-lanolin-paradox","The lanolin paradox",[15,1178,1179,1180,1183,1184,1187,1188,1191,1192,1195,1196,1199],{},"Lanolin has a reputation as a \"common allergen\" that doesn't quite match the data. On ",[18,1181,1182],{},"healthy skin",", true lanolin allergy is ",[18,1185,1186],{},"uncommon",". But studies repeatedly show much higher rates among people applying it to ",[18,1189,1190],{},"damaged skin"," — particularly ",[18,1193,1194],{},"leg ulcers, stasis dermatitis, and chronic eczema",". This is the so-called ",[18,1197,1198],{},"\"lanolin paradox\":"," the same ingredient that's well tolerated on intact skin sensitises far more readily on broken, inflamed skin, because damaged skin is more permeable and primed for an immune response.",[15,1201,1202,1203,1206],{},"The practical message: lanolin isn't a villain to be avoided by everyone. It's an excellent emollient that deserves caution mainly when you're putting it on ",[18,1204,1205],{},"already-compromised skin"," — the lips, an eczema flare, cracked nipples, a healing wound.",[10,1208,1210],{"id":1209},"why-and-when-it-causes-reactions","Why (and when) it causes reactions",[15,1212,1213,1214,1217],{},"Lanolin allergy is a ",[18,1215,1216],{},"delayed (Type IV) hypersensitivity"," — an itchy, eczema-like contact dermatitis appearing a day or two after use. A few nuances matter:",[66,1219,1220,1230,1236],{},[69,1221,1222,1225,1226,1229],{},[18,1223,1224],{},"Crude vs purified."," Modern, highly purified and modified lanolins are generally ",[18,1227,1228],{},"better tolerated"," than older crude lanolin. Some reactions historically blamed on lanolin may relate to specific fractions or wool contaminants rather than the whole substance.",[69,1231,1232,1235],{},[18,1233,1234],{},"High-contact, high-risk sites."," Lips and nipples are damaged, occluded, long-contact areas — the most common places lanolin dermatitis shows up.",[69,1237,1238,1241,1242,103,1245,1248],{},[18,1239,1240],{},"Patch testing nuance."," Lanolin can be tricky to test; dermatologists use ",[18,1243,1244],{},"lanolin alcohol 30%",[18,1246,1247],{},"Amerchol L-101"," to improve detection.",[10,1250,1252],{"id":1251},"how-to-spot-and-avoid-lanolin","How to spot and avoid lanolin",[113,1254,1255,1281,1287,1297],{},[69,1256,1257,1260,1261,1263,1264,1263,1267,1263,1270,1263,1273,1276,1277,1280],{},[18,1258,1259],{},"Check labels"," for ",[31,1262,1157],{},", ",[31,1265,1266],{},"Wool Wax",[31,1268,1269],{},"Wool Fat",[31,1271,1272],{},"Adeps Lanae",[31,1274,1275],{},"Lanolin Alcohol",", or ",[31,1278,1279],{},"Hydrogenated Lanolin",".",[69,1282,1283,1286],{},[18,1284,1285],{},"Scrutinise lip and nipple products"," first — these are the usual culprits.",[69,1288,1289,1292,1293,1296],{},[18,1290,1291],{},"Don't trust \"natural\""," — lanolin is natural ",[31,1294,1295],{},"and"," a potential allergen; the two aren't opposites.",[69,1298,1299,1302],{},[18,1300,1301],{},"Patch test if unsure"," — useful especially if you have leg-ulcer or eczema-prone skin and a stubborn rash.",[10,1304,1306],{"id":1305},"safer-alternatives-if-youre-lanolin-allergic","Safer alternatives (if you're lanolin-allergic)",[66,1308,1309,1315,1321],{},[69,1310,1311,1314],{},[18,1312,1313],{},"Lip care:"," plain petrolatum (petroleum jelly), shea/cocoa butter, squalane, or beeswax balms without lanolin.",[69,1316,1317,1320],{},[18,1318,1319],{},"Moisturisers:"," ceramide-based creams, petrolatum, dimethicone, or plant oils (jojoba, sunflower, squalane).",[69,1322,1323,1326],{},[18,1324,1325],{},"Nipple care:"," lanolin-free balms, or plain coconut/olive oil.",[10,1328,1330],{"id":1329},"when-to-see-a-dermatologist","When to see a dermatologist",[15,1332,1333],{},"If you have a persistent rash on the lips, face, nipples, or lower legs that doesn't settle — or worsens — with an emollient, ask about patch testing with lanolin alcohol and Amerchol L-101. Confirming or excluding lanolin allergy is especially worthwhile for people with eczema or leg ulcers, where it matters most.",[10,1335,178],{"id":177},[15,1337,1338,1339,1342],{},"Lanolin is one of the best barrier-repair emollients available and, on healthy skin, rarely a problem. Its allergy story is really a story about ",[18,1340,1341],{},"broken skin"," — so treat it with respect on lips, nipples, and inflamed areas, and don't write it off everywhere else.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":1344},[1345,1346,1347,1348,1349,1350,1351],{"id":1151,"depth":187,"text":1152},{"id":1175,"depth":187,"text":1176},{"id":1209,"depth":187,"text":1210},{"id":1251,"depth":187,"text":1252},{"id":1305,"depth":187,"text":1306},{"id":1329,"depth":187,"text":1330},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[1353,1354,1355,1356,621],"Lip balm & medicated lip care","Heavy moisturizer & barrier cream","Nipple cream (breastfeeding)","Diaper-rash cream","A natural wax from sheep wool and one of the most effective barrier-repair emollients. Allergy is uncommon overall but more frequent on damaged skin, leg ulcers, and chronically inflamed areas.",[1359,1362,1365],{"question":1360,"answer":1361},"Is lanolin bad for sensitive skin?","Not for most people — lanolin is one of the most effective barrier-repair emollients there is, and true allergy is uncommon on healthy skin. The catch is the \"lanolin paradox\": allergy rates are much higher when it is applied to broken, inflamed, or ulcerated skin, which is exactly where heavy emollients are often used. If your skin is intact, lanolin is usually a friend, not a foe.",{"question":1363,"answer":1364},"I keep getting chapped, scaly lips from my lip balm — could it be lanolin?","Possibly. Lanolin is common in \"medicated\" and \"extra healing\" lip balms, and the lips are damaged, occluded skin that stays in contact with the product for hours — a classic setup for lanolin dermatitis. If a lip balm seems to make things worse the more you use it, switching to a plain petrolatum-based balm for a couple of weeks is a simple test.",{"question":1366,"answer":1367},"Is \"lanolin-free\" the same as vegan?","Lanolin is animal-derived (from sheep wool, though the sheep are not harmed to collect it), so vegan products will be lanolin-free. But \"lanolin-free\" alone only tells you that one ingredient is absent — a product can be lanolin-free and still contain other animal-derived or allergenic ingredients, so check the full list.","🐑",[1370,1372,1375,1378],{"label":219,"value":1371},"A complex wax of esters, fatty acids, and alcohols from sheep wool — chemically similar to human skin lipids",{"label":1373,"value":1374},"Allergy frequency","Uncommon on healthy skin; markedly higher on damaged/ulcerated skin (the \"lanolin paradox\")",{"label":1376,"value":1377},"Patch testing","Screened with lanolin alcohol 30% and Amerchol L-101",{"label":1379,"value":1380},"Purified vs crude","Highly purified and modified lanolins are generally better tolerated than crude lanolin",[1382,1383,1384,1385],"Lanoline","Lanolina","Wollwachs","Wollfett",{},"/learn/ingredients/lanolin",[1389,1392],{"title":1390,"source":240,"url":1391},"Lanolin allergy — overview","https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lanolin-allergy",{"title":1393,"source":244,"url":1394},"The lanolin paradox and contact allergy — review","https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29143965/",[1396,1399,1402,1405],{"slug":1397,"title":1398},"/learn/eczema-safe-skincare","Eczema-Safe Skincare",{"slug":1400,"title":1401},"/learn/patch-test-results-now-what","Patch Test Results: Now What?",{"slug":1403,"title":1404},"/learn/patch-test-cross-reactors","Patch Test Cross-Reactors",{"slug":1406,"title":1407},"/learn/contact-dermatitis-guide","Contact Dermatitis: The Complete Guide",{"title":1146,"description":1357},"Lanolin allergy is uncommon overall but more frequent on damaged skin and in eczema. Learn which cosmetic and wound-care products contain wool wax and how to spot all its label names.","Lanolin (Wool Wax) Allergy: Is It in Your Skincare? | AllerNote","lanolin","learn/ingredients/lanolin","An excellent natural emollient from sheep wool — well tolerated by most, but a notable allergen on broken or already-irritated skin",[1415,1416,1417,1418,1419],"Itchy, red rash where applied","Lip dermatitis — cracking, scaling, or swelling of the lips","Eczema-like patches on the face or body","Nipple dermatitis in breastfeeding mothers","Stubborn dermatitis on leg-ulcer or stasis-eczema skin",[1421,1422,1423,1424,1425,1247],"Wool wax","Wool fat","Adeps lanae","Lanolin alcohol","Hydrogenated lanolin",[194,278,1411,1427],"allergen-guide","DB7lVircpwSY9961qFzgnLIGIhg9CPAOQgQuglrKDo0",{"id":1430,"title":481,"body":1431,"category":194,"commonProducts":1559,"description":1563,"extension":201,"faqs":1564,"icon":1574,"inciName":1575,"irritantReason":215,"isCommonIrritant":216,"keyFacts":1576,"localNames":1587,"meta":1591,"navigation":235,"path":480,"picksMode":215,"recommendedProducts":215,"references":1592,"relatedArticles":1595,"seo":1600,"seoDescription":215,"seoTitle":215,"severity":262,"slug":1601,"stem":1602,"subtitle":1603,"symptoms":1604,"synonyms":1607,"tags":1608,"updatedAt":498,"__hash__":1609},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/marula-oil.md",{"type":7,"value":1432,"toc":1552},[1433,1437,1465,1469,1475,1492,1494,1525,1527,1547,1549],[10,1434,1436],{"id":1435},"what-is-marula-oil","What is marula oil?",[15,1438,1439,1442,1443,1446,1447,1450,1451,1263,1453,1456,1457,1460,1461,1464],{},[18,1440,1441],{},"Marula oil"," is pressed from the kernels of the ",[31,1444,1445],{},"Sclerocarya birrea"," fruit, native to Southern Africa, where it's long been used for skin and hair care. It's ",[18,1448,1449],{},"over 70% oleic acid",", making it richly moisturising, and high in ",[18,1452,315],{},[18,1454,1455],{},"vitamin C",", phenolic antioxidants, and amino acids. Despite that richness, it ",[18,1458,1459],{},"absorbs quickly"," and feels lighter than you'd expect from a high-oleic oil — and it's exceptionally ",[18,1462,1463],{},"stable",", lasting 2+ years without going rancid.",[10,1466,1468],{"id":1467},"why-its-well-tolerated-with-a-small-caveat","Why it's well tolerated (with a small caveat)",[15,1470,1471,1472,1474],{},"Marula has a strong safety profile and ",[18,1473,333],{},"; it's non-photosensitising and pregnancy-safe. Two practical notes:",[66,1476,1477,1485],{},[69,1478,1479,1481,1482],{},[18,1480,341],{}," Marula is a stone fruit (drupe), botanically more like a plum than a tree nut. Reactions are uncommon, but ",[18,1483,1484],{},"severe nut allergy → patch test first.",[69,1486,1487,351,1489,1491],{},[18,1488,350],{},[18,1490,354],{},"; lighter oils (jojoba, squalane) or high-linoleic oils suit those better. On dry/mature skin, the richness is the benefit.",[10,1493,366],{"id":365},[113,1495,1496,1501,1507,1513,1519],{},[69,1497,1498,1500],{},[18,1499,1030],{}," — concentrated; a little covers the face.",[69,1502,1503,1506],{},[18,1504,1505],{},"After serums"," — layer over water-based products to seal them in.",[69,1508,1509,1512],{},[18,1510,1511],{},"Mix a drop into night cream"," for extra richness.",[69,1514,1515,1518],{},[18,1516,1517],{},"On hair ends"," to control frizz.",[69,1520,1521,1524],{},[18,1522,1523],{},"Room-temperature storage"," — very stable, no fridge needed.",[10,1526,395],{"id":394},[66,1528,1529,1535,1541],{},[69,1530,1531,1534],{},[18,1532,1533],{},"Oily/acne-prone skin:"," jojoba or squalane (lighter); high-linoleic oils (hemp, grapeseed).",[69,1536,1537,1540],{},[18,1538,1539],{},"Lower cost, similar benefits:"," argan oil.",[69,1542,1543,1546],{},[18,1544,1545],{},"Maximum inertness:"," squalane (no botanical cross-reaction for nut allergy).",[10,1548,178],{"id":177},[15,1550,1551],{},"Marula is a rich-but-light, antioxidant-loaded, very stable face and hair oil with low allergy risk — ideal for dry and mature skin. Keep the two caveats in mind: it's a drupe (patch test with serious nut allergy), and it can be too rich for oily faces.",{"title":186,"searchDepth":187,"depth":187,"links":1553},[1554,1555,1556,1557,1558],{"id":1435,"depth":187,"text":1436},{"id":1467,"depth":187,"text":1468},{"id":365,"depth":187,"text":366},{"id":394,"depth":187,"text":395},{"id":177,"depth":187,"text":178},[1560,1561,1562,437],"Face oil / anti-aging oil","Body oil & butter","Hair oil","A vitamin-E-rich, high-oleic plant oil from the African marula tree. Oxidation-stable, low allergy, and non-photosensitising; its richness can be heavy on very oily skin. A drupe, so a mild nut-allergy caveat applies.",[1565,1568,1571],{"question":1566,"answer":1567},"Is marula oil too heavy for my skin?","It is over 70% oleic acid, so it is a rich oil — but it absorbs faster and feels lighter than most high-oleic oils, which is part of its appeal. On dry or mature skin it is lovely; on very oily or acne-prone skin it may feel heavy, in which case jojoba or squalane (or a high-linoleic oil) are lighter choices.",{"question":1569,"answer":1570},"Is marula safe with a nut allergy?","Marula is a drupe (stone fruit), not a true tree nut, and reactions are rare — but if you have a severe tree-nut allergy, patch test on the inner arm first, or use squalane to avoid any botanical cross-reaction question. It is otherwise low-allergy, non-photosensitising, and pregnancy-safe.",{"question":1572,"answer":1573},"Does marula oil go rancid?","Less than most plant oils. Its high antioxidant content makes it notably oxidation-resistant, with a shelf life around two years and no need for refrigeration — a contrast to oils like rosehip that turn within months. That stability also means fewer oxidation by-products that could irritate.","🌳","Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil",[1577,1579,1582,1585],{"label":219,"value":1578},"Oil from the kernels of the African marula tree (a drupe/stone fruit)",{"label":1580,"value":1581},"High oleic acid",">70% oleic acid — deeply moisturising for dry/mature skin, yet absorbs surprisingly fast",{"label":1583,"value":1584},"Very stable","High antioxidant content makes it oxidation-resistant, with a 2+ year shelf life",{"label":461,"value":1586},"Low allergy; a drupe (not a true nut), so patch test with severe tree-nut allergy",[1588,1589,1590],"Huile de marula","Marulaöl","Olio di marula",{},[1593,1594],{"title":1125,"source":244,"url":1126},{"title":239,"source":240,"url":241},[1596,1597,1598,1599],{"slug":468,"title":284},{"slug":477,"title":478},{"slug":254,"title":255},{"slug":257,"title":258},{"title":481,"description":1563},"marula-oil","learn/ingredients/marula-oil","A fast-absorbing, antioxidant-rich African oil — deeply nourishing yet surprisingly light, with low allergy risk",[489,1605,1606,492,493],"Drupe/nut allergy caution","Can feel heavy on very oily/acne-prone skin",[1575,481],[194,278,497],"-ACRHva49XmPSZt3SA6Nq9dCaOhpCbjax25DjUMWBKM",{"items":1611},[1612,1659,1708,1748],{"id":1613,"brand":1614,"name":1615,"brand_slug":1616,"slug":1617,"category":1091,"rating":1618,"review_count":187,"image_url":1619,"benefit_tags":1620,"whats_inside":1628,"key_ingredients":1629,"concerns":1632,"parsed_ingredients":1639,"analysis":215,"buy_link":1653,"url_slug":1658},"6395b3ab-8e37-4a9d-8125-c2d4b1e6190e","Aveeno","Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion","aveeno","aveeno-skin-relief-moisturising-lotion","5.0","https://storage.googleapis.com/allernote/catalog/aveeno/skin-relief-moisturising-lotion.webp",[1621,1622,1623,1624,1625,1626,1627],"hydrating","barrier repair","reduces irritation","redness reducing","brightening","scar healing","skin texture",{"Vegan":216,"Oil-free":216,"Reef-safe":235,"Alcohol-free":216,"Cruelty-free":216,"Paraben-free":235,"Sulfate-free":235,"Silicone-free":216,"Fragrance-free":216,"EU-allergen-free":216,"Fungal-acne-safe":216},[1630,1631],"Exfoliators: Removes dead skin cells to smoothe texture.","Antioxidants: Shields skin from free radical damage.",[1633,1634,1635,1636,1637,1638],"May Trigger Acne: Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.","May Worsen Oily Skin: May increase shine or excess oil.","May Worsen Dryness: Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.","May Worsen Rosacea: Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.","May Worsen Eczema: May worsen itching or irritation for eczema.","May Worsen Irritation: May cause stinging, redness, or sensitivity.",[1640,1641,1642,1643,1644,1645,167,1646,1647,1648,1649,1650,1651,1652],"water","glycerin","distearyldimonium chloride","petrolatum","isopropyl palmitate","cetyl alcohol","avena sativa kernel flour","avena sativa kernel oil","avena sativa kernel extract","butyrospermum parkii butter","benzyl alcohol","steareth-20","sodium chloride",{"url":1654,"region":1655,"disclosure":1656,"link_type":1657},"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GC88JBC?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=allernote-20&linkId=5f643a5826803b0e98bd0da75876b070&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl","US","As an Amazon Associate, AllerNote earns from qualifying purchases.","pdp","skin-relief-moisturising-lotion",{"id":1660,"brand":1661,"name":1662,"brand_slug":1663,"slug":1664,"category":1665,"rating":1618,"review_count":1666,"image_url":1667,"benefit_tags":1668,"whats_inside":1674,"key_ingredients":1675,"concerns":1678,"parsed_ingredients":1679,"analysis":215,"buy_link":1705,"url_slug":1707},"13ac5deb-1df6-40e5-bcf0-68abba019aec","Garnier","Fructis 1 Minute Nourishing Hair Mask + Coconut Extract","garnier","garnier-fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-coconut-extract","Hair Mask",1,"https://storage.googleapis.com/allernote/catalog/garnier/fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-coconut-extract.webp",[1621,1625,1626,1622,1669,1670,1623,1671,1672,1673],"acne fighting","anti-aging","good for oily skin","reduces large pores","dark spots",{"Vegan":216,"Oil-free":216,"Reef-safe":235,"Alcohol-free":235,"Cruelty-free":235,"Paraben-free":235,"Sulfate-free":235,"Silicone-free":235,"Fragrance-free":216,"EU-allergen-free":216,"Fungal-acne-safe":216},[1676,1677,1631],"BHA: Unclogs pores and reduces excess oil.","Vitamin E: Protects skin and soothes irritation.",[1633,1636,1637,1638,1634,1635],[1640,1680,1641,1681,1682,1649,1683,1684,1685,1686,1687,1688,1689,1690,1691,1692,1693,1694,1695,1696,1697,1698,1699,1700,1701,1702,1703,1704],"cetearyl alcohol","isopropyl myristate","stearamidopropyl dimethylamine","olea europaea fruit oil","glycine soja oil","sodium hydroxide","helianthus annuus seed oil","rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract","coco-caprylate/caprate","cocos nucifera fruit extract","cocos nucifera oil","hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride","caprylyl glycol","citric acid","persea gratissima oil","xanthan gum","tartaric acid","cetyl esters","tocopherol","potassium sorbate","salicylic acid","eugenol","coumarin","limonene","parfum",{"url":1706,"region":1655,"disclosure":1656,"link_type":1657},"https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Fructis-Nourishing-Treat-Minute/dp/B074VLD9C6?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=allernote-20&linkId=15555baa540bfd63aafea2ba892c802b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl","fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-coconut-extract",{"id":1709,"brand":1710,"name":1711,"brand_slug":1712,"slug":1713,"category":1714,"rating":1618,"review_count":1666,"image_url":1715,"benefit_tags":1716,"whats_inside":1717,"key_ingredients":1718,"concerns":1721,"parsed_ingredients":1722,"analysis":215,"buy_link":1745,"url_slug":1747},"87858b1e-f7b9-4a2d-a4fa-f9214d426ac5","CeraVe","Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream","cerave","cerave-itch-relief-moisturizing-cream","Body Lotion","https://storage.googleapis.com/allernote/catalog/cerave/itch-relief-moisturizing-cream.webp",[1621,1622,1670,1623,1625,1626],{"Vegan":216,"Oil-free":216,"Reef-safe":235,"Alcohol-free":216,"Cruelty-free":216,"Paraben-free":235,"Sulfate-free":216,"Silicone-free":216,"Fragrance-free":235,"EU-allergen-free":235,"Fungal-acne-safe":216},[1719,1720],"Ceramides: Locks in moisture and supports skin barrier.","Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates by attracting and holding water.",[1634,1633,1636,1635,1637,1638],[1723,1641,1643,1645,1649,1680,1724,1725,1681,1726,167,1727,1728,1729,1730,1731,1732,1733,1685,1734,1735,1736,1737,1738,1739,1740,1741,1742,1693,1695,1743,1744],"active ingredients: pramoxine hydrochloride 1% inactive ingredients: water","peg-100 stearate","glyceryl stearate","stearic acid","palmitic acid","potassium phosphate","ceramide np","ceramide ap","ceramide eop","carbomer","behentrimonium methosulfate","myristic acid","sodium lauroyl lactylate","cholesterol","tasmannia lanceolata fruit extract","phenoxyethanol","dipotassium phosphate","disodium edta","alcohol denat.","hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid","phytosphingosine","ethylhexylglycerin",{"url":1746,"region":1655,"disclosure":1656,"link_type":1657},"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017610BFO?th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=allernote-20&linkId=006d6219d7687dba0c922aa8c0ab10f6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl","itch-relief-moisturizing-cream",{"id":1749,"brand":1661,"name":1750,"brand_slug":1663,"slug":1751,"category":1665,"rating":1618,"review_count":1666,"image_url":1752,"benefit_tags":1753,"whats_inside":1754,"key_ingredients":1755,"concerns":1756,"parsed_ingredients":1757,"analysis":215,"buy_link":1761,"url_slug":1764},"b45d78e6-2a6f-4fc7-b654-9c192f817ea7","Fructis 1 Minute Nourishing Hair Mask + Avocado Extract","garnier-fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-avocado-extract","https://storage.googleapis.com/allernote/catalog/garnier/fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-avocado-extract.webp",[1621,1625,1623,1626,1673,1622],{"Vegan":235,"Oil-free":216,"Reef-safe":235,"Alcohol-free":235,"Cruelty-free":235,"Paraben-free":235,"Sulfate-free":235,"Silicone-free":235,"Fragrance-free":216,"EU-allergen-free":235,"Fungal-acne-safe":216},[],[1633,1634,1636,1637],[1640,1680,1641,1681,1682,1649,1683,1684,1685,1687,1688,1690,1758,1693,1696,1697,1759,1760],"hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride 2%","caramel","parfum 2%",{"url":1762,"region":1655,"disclosure":1656,"link_type":1763},"https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Garnier%2BFructis%2B1%2BMinute%2BNourishing%2BHair%2BMask%2B%252B%2BAvocado%2BExtract&linkCode=ll2&tag=allernote-20&linkId=b7ed5b42276a666369d193bae1dfedbf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl","plp","fructis-1-minute-nourishing-hair-mask-avocado-extract",1785832009324]