When it comes to food products, allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten are clearly labeled in bold to help people with allergies avoid potential reactions. But what about cosmetics and body care products? Should they follow the same standard?
This question became very real for me after a personal experience. I bought my wife a Dove shower gel as part of a Christmas gift set, not realizing it contained oat milk. Unlike food packaging, the ingredients didn’t highlight oat in bold; instead, it was listed under a different name. That night, after she used it, I woke up with severe itching on my legs—right where her skin had rubbed against mine.
This raises an important concern. If food products must clearly label allergens to protect consumers, shouldn’t skincare and body care products do the same? Many people have allergies to common cosmetic ingredients like nuts, dairy, soy, and oats, yet these aren’t always labeled in a way that makes them easy to spot. Instead, they’re often hidden under scientific or botanical names that the average person wouldn’t recognize.
For those with sensitivities, the lack of clear labeling can lead to unexpected reactions, from mild irritation to serious allergic responses. A simple change—bolding allergens or listing them in a separate section—could help consumers make safer choices and avoid unwanted exposure.
What do you think? Should cosmetic and skincare brands be required to label allergens more clearly, just like food products?
