What does this word mean, please?

As a child, I used to watch my mother apply her makeup in awe like most little girls are of their mothers.  I remember asking her why she always used the same brand… her response, “I always use Almay because it is hypoallergenic and I have sensitive skin.”  I grew up thinking that a product dubbed “hypoallergenic” could be trusted as safe and healthy for sensitive skin.  Speed forth a quarter of a century, and I am here to debunk my mother’s words.

 This seemingly harmless word - even evoking feelings that you are making a wiser buying decision – means nothing. Hypoallergenic: meaningless.  It is not a bad word, just sort of a generic way to say that products are “made for the skin.”   Hypo from ancient Greek meaning less than…  less than allergenic.  Think about that for a moment and you will deduce that the term merely refers to the resistance of common allergens, toxic chemicals, nut oils, etc. But this word is not harmless. Recently breakfast cereals with more than 50% of a daily serving of sugar, per serving, was slammed for advertising on the box as a “healthy choice” (rightfully so.)  Consumers are busy and confused and don’t have time to research every food, drug, soap, lotion, toothpaste and so forth that goes into and onto their bodies.  They rely on us – product, food and drug companies – to provide accurate labeling information.   

For more about government regulations on the term “hypoallergenic” click here to read more from the trusty FDA.  

In short: this word is meaningless.  There are no federal regulatory standards on the word hypoallergenic.  Any company can use it.  Look for ingredient lists and compare them on Skin Deep, as well as “green” standards and certifications.