Sensitive Skin Irritants
Common Skin Irritants
For sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.
Chemicals & Materials
- Adhesives & glues
- Fertiliser
- Kerosene / chemical fuels
- Metals (nickel, cobalt)
- New products (plastics, fabrics)
- Paint
- Petrol
- Toner & ink (printing/office exposure)
- Varnish / VOCs
Environmental & Airborne
- Construction dust
- Dust mites
- Mould / damp environments
- Pollution
- Smoke
Fabrics & Friction
- Latex
- Laundry residue in fabrics
- Rubber
- Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon)
- Tight clothing / friction
- Yarn (especially wool)
Food & Internal Triggers
- Alcohol
- Fermented foods
- Foods someone is allergic to
- Spicy food
Household & Cleaning
- Air freshener
- Bleach
- Candles
- Car air freshener
- Cleaning spray
- Dishwashing liquid
- Laundry detergent
- Printer toner & ink
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (disinfectants)
- Whiteboard markers
Lifestyle & Physiological
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Sweat - not sweat itself but irritants stick to sweat
Medications & Treatments
- Preservatives (e.g. parabens, phenoxyethanol)
- Topical antibiotics
- Topical fungal medication
Outdoor & Nature
- Animals
- Christmas trees (real & artificial)
- Grass
- Insect bites / repellent
- Pet hair
- Pollen
Personal Care & Beauty
- Alcohol
- Body wash
- Deodorant / antiperspirant
- Essential oils
- Face wash
- Hair dye
- Hairspray
- Makeup
- Moisturiser
- Nail products (paint, removers)
- Perfume
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Toothpaste (SLS, mint, cinnamon)
- Wet wipes
Water & Climate
- Chlorine
- Hard water
- Humidity (very dry or very humid air)
- Salt water - salt water is very healing, however on open wounds this can cause more irritation
- Temperature changes (heat/cold)
- UV exposure
Other
- Fireworks
- Jewellery (nickel)
- Oils
- Zinc
Triggers are highly individual. Identifying your patterns and simplifying your routine can make a meaningful difference to skin recovery.