Turmeric and sensitive skin
Turmeric has a good reputation with sensitive skin, and it is largely deserved. But the reputation is about turmeric. The products that turmeric goes into usually contain a great deal else.
Here is what to look at.
Turmeric itself
Contact allergy to turmeric exists, but it is rare. For most people, turmeric root extract in a cosmetic product is mild.
Two practical points:
It stains. Turmeric is yellow. On pale skin it can leave a brief yellowish cast, and it can colour light fabric. That is not a reaction — that is pigment.
The concentration is unknown. Almost no supplier states how much turmeric is in the product. "Contains turmeric" can mean anything. Ours are no exception: the Turmeric Neck & Face Cream and the Turmeric Cleansing Oil do not state a percentage either, and we would rather say so than imply we know.
What usually sits alongside it
This is where the real attention belongs.
Citrus extract. Turmeric is often paired with lemon. Citrus extracts can sting sensitive skin.
Kojic acid. Very common in turmeric soaps. It is permitted in the EU up to 1% in face and hand products, but suppliers rarely state that percentage. Kojic acid can also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive users.
Fragrance. Frequently the actual cause of a reaction to a "natural" product. If your skin reacts easily, the Centella Calming Essence and the Soothing Cream are the two in our range built for that rather than adapted to it.
Essential oils. "Natural" does not mean "gentle". Some essential oils are actively irritating.
Do a patch test
Always, with every new product, including a mild one.
- Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm.
- Leave it for 24 hours. Do not wash it off.
- No redness, itching or burning? Then you can try it on your face.
If you do react: stop and rinse. If the irritation persists, contact your doctor.
When to skip turmeric
- If you have a known allergy to turmeric or to ginger (the same plant family).
- On broken or inflamed skin.
- If you are using a prescribed skin treatment — check first.
What we do
We publish the ingredient list where the supplier gives one, and we say so plainly where it is missing. At the moment exactly one product in our range publishes a full INCI list — the Turmeric & Niacinamide Cleansing Foam — and every page that cannot, says so.
That is not a comfortable thing to announce, but it is a useful one. With sensitive skin, a brand that says "we do not know" is more use to you than a brand that prints "100% natural" on the box.
