Why Do Some People React to Skincare?

A Quick Guide to Understanding Sensitivities

Most people who use our skincare experience beautifully hydrated, comfortable, glowing skin — but a small number of people can react to any skincare product, even the gentlest ones. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean your skin is “wrong” or that the product is unsafe. It simply means your skin has its own unique biology.

Here’s the quick version of what you need to know.

1. Even the gentlest skincare products can cause reactions in 1–3% of people

Dermatologists consistently report that about 1–3% of people will react to any given formulation.
This isn’t about the product — it’s about how individual our skin barriers, microbiomes, and immune systems are.

2. Some ingredients are more likely to cause sensitivities

Most people tolerate our formulations extremely well, but ingredients across all skincare brands can trigger reactions in some individuals:

  • Essential oils (lavender, citrus) — mild sensitivities in ~1%

  • Preservatives — 0.5–2% may feel irritation

  • Niacinamide — flushing in <1% when the barrier is compromised

  • Shea butter — reactions are extremely rare but can feel heavy

  • Aloe vera (purified) — <0.1% sensitivity

  • Hyaluronic acid & Phyaluronic® — among the least reactive molecules in skincare (<0.1%)

Reactions often come from the partner ingredients rather than the hydrating molecule itself.

Take lavender for example. Lavender essential oil is beautiful and calming for many people, but like all essential oils, it can be a trigger for sensitive or barrier-impaired skin. In a small number of people it may cause small bumps or irritation that can be mistaken for breakouts. This doesn’t reflect the safety of the product, just the individual way skin responds, which can be:

✔️ contact irritation

✔️ barrier disruption

✔️ micro-inflammation

✔️ or small “acne-like” bumps (called irritant folliculitis)

Lavender is considered one of the more common essential oils to trigger irritation in sensitive or barrier-impaired skin.

Also consider ingredients such as Kakadu plum and Vitamin C,.which are wonderful antioxidants and improve the skin for most people, However a small number of people — especially with sensitive or barrier-compromised skin — may feel tingling, redness, or dryness. This isn’t unusual for any active ingredient. If this happens, it simply means that your skin might prefer one of our gentler formulations without Kakadu plum

3. A weakened skin barrier reacts more — especially during perimenopause and menopause

If your skin barrier is impaired (rosacea, eczema, sun damage, over-exfoliation, hormonal changes), or going through changes like reduced hydration, your skin can become 20–40% more reactive to all products.

This is why some people notice:

  • tingling

  • redness

  • temporary tightness

  • breakouts
    …when starting something new.

It’s not a product fault — it’s barrier biology.

4. Some reactions are temporary “adjustment phases”

When your skin suddenly receives more water, better microbiome support, or more efficient cell turnover, it can respond with:

  • mild flushing

  • tightness

  • a few days of uneven texture

This is your skin recalibrating — not being harmed.

But anything painful, prolonged, or concerning should always be paused and reassessed.

5. When a true sensitivity happens, we want to know

True sensitivities are uncommon, but important.
If you experience burning, swelling, or persistent redness, please stop using the product and contact us — we want to understand:

  • which product you used

  • your skin type

  • your history with similar ingredients

This helps us create better solutions and support you with alternatives.

6. Phyaluronic® is exceptionally gentle

Our core ingredient:

  • holds up to 2,000% of its weight in water

  • supports the microbiome

  • resists enzyme breakdown

  • protects collagen

  • is used in wound and skin healing research

It is rarely the cause of sensitivity — but your skin may need a different pairing of supporting ingredients (lighter, richer, simpler, or microbiome-focused).

This is why we developed a further range of skincare formulations for the face... because there are many different types, vulnerabilities, needs. Some people may need a period of one type of formultation, to repair the skin barrier, and can later return to other products. While others need to constantly avoid some ingredients, despite them being benficial to others. 

If you reacted, you’re not alone — and we can help

Your skin is unique, and sometimes it just needs a different formulation.
Try our Skin Type to Product Match Guide or contact us directly — we can help you find the right Phyaluronic® partner for your skin’s needs.