How to Patch Test a Skincare Product the Right Way.
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This is such an important skincare topic that’s all too often avoided. Patch testing properly can prevent severe allergic reactions and go a long way in clearing acne, particularly for those suffering from “acne-cosmetica,” that is, comedones, pustules or papules caused by using products that are incompatible with your skin. (1)
Remember to patch-test absolutely everything before incorporating it into your skincare routine or going full-faced. I cannot stress this enough. Skincare requires patience: this isn’t a sprint but a marathon.
Trying to add more things to get faster results usually impedes, rather than helps progress. And as you can see, I’ve learned a thing or two about patch-testing…. it only took 8 year worth of products, my poor wallet, and dozens of breakouts to learn my lesson. -___-
What is patch testing?
Patch testing is a method of testing a new product to see if it will work for your skin. This test is often ignored, and can result in pretty severe acne or allergic reactions.
Believe it or not, a lot of the problems you see above were simply caused by using the wrong things on my skin. If you have adult acne, there’s a very good chance your breakouts are product related. If you suspect this might be the case, stop using everything for at least two weeks and see if things subside.
Scary I know, but had I never took that leap of faith I wouldn’t have successfully cured my acne. It was only after dropping everything from my skincare routine and introducing products back in slowly, that I was able to determine what my skin likes, and what it doesn’t. Without further ado, let’s go into the methodology.
How to patch test.
There are three different things to test for:
1. Allergic reactions.
Apply the product in question behind your ear.
2. Irritation.
Apply the product in question where you’re most sensitive. This will vary from person to person, for me it’s the corners of my nose and chin.
3. Comedogenicity (how pore-clogging something is).
Apply the product you’re testing to the area you experience the most breakouts and clogged pores. This will also vary from person to person. For me, it’s my chin and the space between my eyebrows.
How long do I need to patch-test a product?
Once again, this varies from person to person. For example, I breakout very quickly (it’s ridiculous, really), so I’ll know if a product is giving me problems within 24 hours. Others (like my sister) require several days of patch testing to finally notice something is going astray.
Just remember to apply the product on enough surface area that it allows you to notice a problem should one arise, but small enough that it won’t be detrimental if something does go wrong.
Alrightly, that does it skincare-addicts. Have fun with your new products, and PATCH TEST ALL THE THINGS!
Warmly,
—f.c.
Feel free to tell me about your patch testing horror stories in the comments below. Save your fellow skincare-addicts some grief and share this!
Hi, how do you patch test a moisturizer while regularly using a different one? I want to be able to use the one I am currently using in my skincare regimen but be able to patch test a new one that I may want to switch to. Thanks!
I patch testing vaniply, a silicone based occlusive for my dehydrated skin on my nose for a month with no results. Deciding to then do it on my chin and right side of my face, and shit got real… I haven’t had so many clogged pores/breakouts in so long. 🙁 I learned my lesson! Always patch test where you are most prone to clogs.
Allergists recommend patch testing on the interior of your elbow. The skin in this area is hardy so if you experience a reaction there, it is most likely an allergic reaction rather than irritation. This is an alternative to behind the ear, particularly for those of us who wear eye glasses. This is especially important for people who are allergic to certain ingredients or fragrances.
Personally I patch test on my chest since it is prone to breakouts like my face, but easily hidden.
hey f.c. VERY informative site.. so helpful it’s unbelievable. I have a question about patch testing, I am pretty much starting from scratch with my regimen. How should I go about patch testing for both cleanser and moisterizer if they are a new regimen for me? For example.. if I am patch testing a cleanser? Do I only use the cleanser and no moisturizer at all for a week as you mentionws?(worried about dryness though..) I purchased the Cetaphil foam cleanser with the Cerave facial moisturizer.
I’ve heard some say that with certain products, your acne will get worse before it gets better. Do you find that to be true? How do you distinguish between this effect and something actually just breaking you out?
Hi. When you said you dropped everything, did it also include your facial wash and sunscreen? I’m experiencing a bad case of breakouts and also wanted to do like a skin fast since I cannot exactly pinpoint if or which of my products are causing it. Thanks!
This. Article. Is. Life. Saver
I just got Cosrx BHA Cream due to good reviews on the internet, and I cant wait to see good result. But I remembered this article! Then I applied the cream on the back of my ears, and on my cheeks when I easily have acne (like in just a blink of an eye). In two days, I have three red and painful pimples on the cheeks where I applied the cream. Oh my god… can you imagine if I just slap it all over my face??
Thank you so much! :”)
What’s your thoughts on Patch test reaction vs. purging?
I really like what you said about patch testing to see if a new product will work for your skin. This is an interesting concept that I haven’t thought about. I have been searching for a lotion that is more compatible with my skin type so this is a really great idea and something that I should probably try doing. Maybe it would be a good idea to meet with a dermatologist and see what they recommend.
I have a moisturizer it is a cream based. Whenever I put it on my face my nose gets itchy and my jaw line. My jawline is where I usually get breakout. Is his a sign that the moisturizer that Im using is not compatible with my skin. I really dont know ski care tht much and I am really scared of skincare because of breakouts.
Hi, shouldnt we patch test for at least a month or two since pimples takes weeks to form?
Hi!!!
Could you tell me does tamanu oil help in fading acne scar and new acne I particularly have it on the chin painful red ones please suggest
Hi, what about people who wear makeup and exercise? Am I supposed to just not wash my face, after working out or after having had makeup on all day, during the few days I stop using all my products? No cleanser?? :0
Do you cover the area patch tested with bandage? And is it ok to wash the area during shower time, then just reapply the product and bandage again in the patch test area?
Thank you for this! I was wondering as there seems to be no other source out there that answers this question — how do you patch test a cleanser (of any kind: foam, oil, micellar water, or gel)? Do you patch test it at all or do you use it as you would normally use a cleanser and see what happens? Hope you’d respond to this. Thank you!
is it possible to have skin/allergic reaction on your elbow but not on your face at the same time?