Cool aloe gel after sun — ingredient safety report

• Allergy risk:Fragrance is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy.
• Irritation:Frequent trigger of stinging and redness on reactive skin.

An umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed scent chemicals. Fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics, and dermatologists routinely advise fragrance-free products for eczema, babies and sensitive skin.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable allergen; oxidized linalool is a common patch-test positive.

A floral scent molecule found in lavender and many essential oils. It oxidizes on air exposure into strongly sensitizing compounds, which is why it must be declared on EU labels.

• Irritation:Occasional stinging and irritation, mostly around eyes and on damaged skin.

Today's most common preservative, considered safe by the SCCS up to 1%. French authorities advise avoiding it in wipes and diaper-area products for children under 3 as a precaution.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable fragrance allergen.

A common jasmine-scented ingredient in fine fragrance and skincare, declared as an allergen on EU labels.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable fragrance allergen.

A floral fixative on the EU allergen list, with early-stage evidence of weak hormonal activity being evaluated by regulators.

• Allergy risk:Rare hypersensitivity reactions, better documented in food than cosmetics.

Tartrazine yellow dye; approved for cosmetics with rare sensitivity reactions reported.

• Allergy risk:Rare Asteraceae cross-reactions in ragweed-allergic individuals.

A gentle calming botanical; the rare reactions occur mostly in people allergic to ragweed-family plants.

• Allergy risk:Rare reports of sensitivity.

A widely approved blue dye with a benign cosmetic safety record.