The label "hypoallergenic makeup" is quite a common sight on the store shelves these days, but just what is "hypoallergenic?"

What does the term mean and how much weight does it carry when you are making your choices in cosmetics? Makeup and skin care products that are on the market contain ingredients that are usually safe to apply to your skin. There are some elements, however, such as oils and solvents that could potentially create allergic reactions in some individuals. While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does require manufacturers of cosmetic products to ensure that a product is safe and non-toxic, it has no particular standards that determine how manufacturers can use the term "hypoallergenic" when describing their products.

The term "hypoallergenic" indicates that products labeled as such have fewer ingredients that may evoke an allergic reaction or may irritate your skin. Every year there are an estimated 30,000 instances of allergies that are related to cosmetics. It is believed that millions of cases are never reported or are never even detected.

So what is hypoallergenic makeup? How effective is it? Having a good understanding of hypoallergenic makeup can help you with your cosmetic choices.

Hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care do not have any clear standards or regulations that constitute whether or not it is indeed hypoallergenic. Generally, these products have ingredients that make them less of a risk of producing and allergic reaction. Fragrances and preservatives (such as methyl, propyl and butyl) are typically the culprits in cosmetics that cause allergic reactions.

Lanolin is a common ingredient in cosmetics and moisturizers. Extracted from sheep wool, lanolin is a potential allergen. Any ingredient in cosmetics, natural or not, has the potential to aggravate allergies. If you are allergic to certain animals or plants, then you may suffer an allergic reaction if those types of cosmetics are used.

You can find hypoallergenic skin care from well known, respected manufacturers and they may work well with your skin type. You really have to try the product or be able to recognize which ingredients are irritating in order to be sure.

Hypoallergenic skin care, such as sunscreen, is generally PABA free as well as fragrance free, but you should read the label first to make sure. Many manufacturers use the term hypoallergenic indiscriminately as a ploy to promote a certain product, such as a hypoallergenic makeup.

This product may have very little value to someone with sensitive or allergy prone skin. When you are shopping for hypoallergenic makeup or hypoallergenic skin care, it is a good idea to do a patch test before you actually purchase the product. This is the only way to be absolutely certain that the product is allergy free for you.

When you are shopping for hypoallergenic skin care, you can select cleansers and moisturizers that contain fatty acids. These fatty acids reduce your chances of allergic reaction or irritation by forming a protective layer on your skin. The important thing to remember is that even hypoallergenic makeup and hypoallergenic skin care can irritate sensitive skin or allergy prone skin.

When you purchase new cosmetics, skincare items, shampoo and soaps, you should first do a patch test to ensure that it will not irritate your skin. Additionally, keep in mind that you can suddenly develop an allergy to a cosmetic, makeup (even hypoallergenic makeup) or skincare product that you use regularly or have been using for a long period of time. It is important to be aware and be careful with your skin.