How to “patch test”: Will the product be a fit for you?

Why is it a good idea to test cosmetics before using them?

Do you have a new cosmetic product and are looking forward to trying it out? Before you get excited about it and smash it all over your face, it's a good idea to do a little test first. Even the best product on paper can sometimes cause mischief - all it takes is one of the ingredients not working for you. 

A patch test will help you see if everything is OK and you can use the product. You'll avoid irritation, rashes, messy skin all over your face and other annoyances.

How to perform a patch test

1. Pick a spot: Find a small patch of skin, perhaps behind your ear, on the inside of your wrist, on your forearm. This will be your test zone for the patch test. 
   
   
2. Application: Apply a small amount of the test product to the selected area. 
   
   
3. After application: 

A) Products that rinse off (cleansing gels/creams/milks/balms, makeup removing products)
If you are testing a cleansing gel or makeup removing balm, leave it on as directed (usually a few minutes) and then rinse off.

B) Products that absorb into the skin (serums, creams, toners, sunscreens)
Apply the product to the test area as directed. Do not rinse the skin during testing, the skin must remain dry.

4. Watch: Wait 24 to 48 hours and watch what happens. Rinse the tested skin area after 24 hours at the earliest.

Patch test results:

1. No reaction: If you do not notice any redness, itching, burning or swelling within 24-48 hours, the product is probably fine for you and you can start using it.

2. Negative reaction: If you experience redness, itching, burning, swelling or any other form of irritation during the patch test, do not use the product. If more significant problems occur, be sure to see a dermatologist.

Patch test: a fuse for calm skin and mind

A patch test (aka tolerance test) can easily prevent big problems. It's a simple way to make sure your skin is comfortable with a new product. If you're unfamiliar with a product or don't have experience with certain ingredients, we recommend testing it this way before your first use. 

Remember that the test is only used to determine initial skin reactions to cosmetic products. It does not guarantee similar results when applied to other areas of the body (including the face) or with continuous use, nor does it take into account the (in)correct selection of a product for a particular skin type. If you are concerned about introducing a new product into your daily routine, please consult your dermatologist.

Also beware of introducing too many new products at once - even if you test them all honestly and without reaction beforehand. Your skin could be in for a shock, which could result in temporary skin deterioration, for example. We've detailed how to avoid this in our article How to start a skincare routine, so check it out.

Happy testing and beautiful skin! 🌸