Brief analysis of causes of sensitive skin and advances in evaluation of anti-allergic activity of cosmetic products

Int J Cosmet Sci. 2016 Apr;38(2):120-7. doi: 10.1111/ics.12283. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

This review focuses on the causes of sensitive skin and elaborates on the relationship between skin sensitivity and skin irritations and allergies, which has puzzled cosmetologists. Here, an overview is presented of the research on active ingredients in cosmetic products for sensitive skin (anti-sensitive ingredients), which is followed by a discussion of their experimental efficacy. Moreover, several evaluation methods for the efficacy of anti-sensitive ingredients are classified and summarized. Through this review, we aim to provide the cosmetic industry with a better understanding of sensitive skin, which could in turn provide some theoretical guidance to the research on targeted cosmetic products.

Keywords: active ingredients; anti-allergic/sensitivity activity; cosmetic repair function; efficacy evaluation; sensitive skin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Allergic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cosmetics*
  • Humans
  • Skin / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Cosmetics