Benefits

How allergen-free skincare protects, repairs, and transforms sensitive skin — and why every ingredient we choose (or refuse) matters.

Untoxicated was not created to add another moisturizer or cleanser to a crowded market. It was created to solve a specific and pervasive problem: the fact that most skincare products — including those marketed for sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin — contain the very ingredients most responsible for triggering skin reactions.

The benefits of Untoxicated products follow directly from that premise. When you remove the triggers, and replace them with clinically validated, barrier-supportive ingredients, skin is given what it has always needed but rarely received: an environment in which it can stop reacting and start recovering.

The benefits of this approach fall into four interconnected categories:

1. Immediate Calming — Removing allergens and irritants stops the cycle of immune activation and inflammation.

2. Barrier Repair — Ceramide-rich formulas restore the lipid matrix, reducing water loss and preventing further sensitization.

3. Sustained Hydration — Multi-mechanism moisturization (humectant + emollient + occlusive) keeps skin comfortable and resilient over time.

4. Long-Term Prevention — By eliminating all known sensitizers, Untoxicated stops the immune system from accumulating new sensitivities from daily skincare use.

Benefits for Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intensely itchy, dry, cracked, and sometimes weeping skin. It affects approximately 31 million Americans and is the most common inflammatory skin disease worldwide. Despite its prevalence, eczema remains widely mismanaged — in large part because many products recommended for it contain known contact allergens.

The Core Problem: A Compromised Barrier

The defining biological feature of eczema-prone skin is a structurally deficient skin barrier. In people with atopic dermatitis, genetic mutations (particularly in the gene encoding filaggrin, a critical structural protein) result in a barrier that is thinner, less lipid-rich, and more permeable than healthy skin. This means:

Moisture escapes more easily, producing the chronic dryness and tightening characteristic of eczema
Allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants penetrate more deeply, triggering disproportionate immune responses
The immune system is primed toward a Th2-dominant inflammatory response, producing elevated levels of IgE and inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31
Staphylococcus aureus colonization is more common, further disrupting the skin microbiome and amplifying inflammation

The result is a self-perpetuating cycle: barrier damage leads to immune activation, which causes inflammation, which further damages the barrier. Any skincare product that introduces additional allergens or irritants actively accelerates this cycle.

How Untoxicated Addresses Eczema

Eliminating Eczema-Relevant Triggers

Many of the 128 allergens excluded by Untoxicated are particularly relevant to eczema sufferers. Studies of eczema patients consistently identify several ingredients as disproportionately problematic:

Fragrances — consistently the most common contact allergen identified in patch testing of eczema patients
Cocamidopropyl betaine — a surfactant prevalent in "gentle" washes and baby products; strongly associated with contact allergy in atopic skin
Methylisothiazolinone (MI/MCI) — an epidemic-level allergen in rinse-off products; the EU has moved to ban it from leave-on products entirely
Oat extract (Avena sativa) — paradoxically found in most eczema-marketed products, oat has emerging clinical evidence linking it to contact sensitization, particularly in children
Propylene glycol — a solvent and humectant in thousands of moisturizers; a documented allergen with particular prevalence in people with disrupted barriers
Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) — a sensitizer included in many "healing" formulations that can worsen eczema flares

The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance — which Untoxicated holds — requires verification that a product is free from all ingredients on the NEA's exclusion list. Untoxicated's standard exceeds this baseline.

Providing What Eczema Skin Actually Lacks

Beyond removing triggers, Untoxicated formulas directly address the specific deficiencies of eczema-prone skin:

Three clinically distinct ceramide types (NP, AP, EOP) replenish the depleted ceramide pool in the lipid matrix, measurably reducing transepidermal water loss
Petrolatum provides an occlusive seal with one of the longest and most robust safety records in dermatology, recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as a first-line emollient for eczema
Sodium hyaluronate (the bioavailable form of hyaluronic acid) binds water within skin layers, providing immediate and sustained relief from dryness
Glycerin acts as a humectant that also supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), a complex of compounds naturally present in healthy skin that is depleted in eczema

Formulated by a Specialist: Untoxicated was created by Dr. Martin Smith, a Double Board-Certified Allergist and Immunologist who spent years treating eczema and contact dermatitis patients at the Cleveland Clinic. His clinical observation — that products labeled 'for eczema' routinely contained allergens he was treating patients for — was the direct impetus for Untoxicated's creation.

Benefits for Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and one of the most prevalent skin conditions overall. It manifests as localized inflammation — redness, swelling, blistering, and intense itching — at the site of contact with an offending substance. There are two clinically distinct forms:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)

ACD is an immune-mediated response — the Type IV hypersensitivity mechanism described in the Science section. It requires prior sensitization to an allergen, and reactions can be triggered by vanishingly small quantities of the offending substance once sensitization is established. Common skincare-derived causes of ACD include fragrances, preservatives, and botanical extracts.

The unique challenge with ACD is latency: reactions typically appear 24–72 hours after exposure, making identification of the trigger extremely difficult without formal patch testing. People with ACD frequently cycle through multiple product substitutions, often unknowingly replacing one sensitizer with another because the industry does not screen for the full spectrum of known allergens.

Untoxicated's exclusion of all 128 documented contact allergens means that, unlike standard alternatives, it cannot trigger or worsen ACD through its ingredients. This is not a probabilistic claim — it is a structural feature of how the formulas are built.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)

ICD does not require prior sensitization. It is a direct cytotoxic reaction to repeated exposure to substances that degrade the skin barrier: harsh surfactants, solvents, alcohol, and preservatives. ICD is extremely common in people who wash frequently, use multiple daily products, or work in environments requiring gloves or repeated hand washing.

The primary mechanism of ICD is surfactant-induced barrier disruption: detergent molecules penetrate the stratum corneum, interact with the lipid matrix, swell keratinocytes, and trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines. Over time, this produces the characteristic dryness, scaling, erythema, and fissuring of chronic ICD.

Untoxicated addresses ICD at both the trigger and treatment levels:

Removal of harsh surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glucoside surfactants) eliminates the primary irritant drivers
The use of Di/sodium cocoyl glutamate — a coconut-derived, amino acid-based surfactant with a substantially milder irritation profile — provides effective cleansing without barrier disruption
Ceramide and petrolatum formulas actively repair ICD-damaged barriers between cleansing events

Why Switching Products Often Doesn't Help:

People with ACD or ICD who try multiple 'sensitive skin' brands frequently find that switching provides no lasting relief. This is because most sensitive-skin products share the same pool of allergens and irritants — they may vary in which ones they include, but they rarely exclude all of them. Untoxicated was built specifically to break this pattern.

Benefits for Other Forms of Irritation & Inflammation

Rosacea and Chronic Redness

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the central face, characterized by persistent flushing, erythema, visible blood vessels, and in some cases papules and pustules. While its etiology is multifactorial (including vascular dysregulation and microbiome disruption), many rosacea triggers are topical — including fragrances, alcohols, and the thermal effect of applying products with high concentrations of irritating actives.

Because Untoxicated formulas contain zero fragrance, no known sensitizers, and no high-concentration chemical actives that provoke vascular responses, they are among the most appropriate daily moisturizers for rosacea-prone skin. The barrier-supportive ceramide and glycerin base also helps address the impaired barrier function that is increasingly recognized as central to rosacea pathology.

Perioral and Periorbital Sensitivity

The skin around the mouth and eyes is significantly thinner than skin elsewhere on the face — approximately 0.5mm versus 2mm on the cheeks. This makes it substantially more permeable to allergens and more susceptible to irritant reactions. Conditions such as perioral dermatitis (a papulopustular eruption around the mouth) and periorbital eczema are commonly triggered or maintained by topical skincare products.

Untoxicated products are safe for use on these highly sensitive areas because they contain no ingredients with known sensitizing or irritating potential. This is rarely true of standard eye creams or lip moisturizers, which frequently contain fragrances, vitamin E, shea butter, and plant extracts — common allergens particularly problematic for thin-barrier zones.

Sensitive Skin (Generalized)

An estimated 7 in 10 people self-report sensitive skin — a figure that reflects both the widespread prevalence of genetically sensitive skin types and the growing sensitization load imposed by modern skincare routines. Generalized skin sensitivity, even without a specific diagnosis, presents as: redness, stinging or burning on product application, chronic tightness, reactive flushing, and intolerance to new products.

The benefit of Untoxicated for generalized sensitivity is straightforward: when you eliminate 128 allergens from a daily skincare routine, the immune and barrier system is no longer under constant low-grade assault. Many users report that within 21 days of consistent use, their baseline skin reactivity decreases — not just to Untoxicated products, but broadly, because the skin barrier has been allowed to repair.

Post-Procedural and Compromised Skin

Skin that has recently undergone professional procedures — laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, waxing, or surgery — has a temporarily compromised barrier with dramatically elevated permeability. In this state, even ingredients that are tolerated by intact skin can provoke significant reactions.

Untoxicated's minimal-ingredient, allergen-free formulas are ideal for post-procedure use. There is nothing in the formula that can sensitize, irritate, or provoke an inflammatory response during the vulnerable recovery period. Ceramides and petrolatum, in particular, are standard recommendations in post-procedure skincare protocols.

Children, Babies, and Teen Skin

Young skin — particularly neonatal and infant skin — has a barrier that is not yet fully mature. The stratum corneum is thinner, the lipid composition is different from adult skin, and the surface area-to-body-weight ratio means that topically applied substances have proportionally greater systemic exposure. Despite this, most baby and children's skincare products contain oat extract, fragrance, and botanical allergens that are clinically inappropriate for immature, high-permeability skin.

Untoxicated is safe for all ages, including newborns, because it has been formulated to the highest possible allergen and irritant exclusion standard. This is not a marketing position — it is the direct consequence of a formula that excludes 128 contact allergens and all EU-restricted cosmetic chemicals.

Ingredients We Use — and Why

Every ingredient in the Untoxicated range was selected through the same process: it had to clear the 128-allergen exclusion screen, be backed by peer-reviewed safety and efficacy data for sensitive skin, and serve a specific, meaningful function in the formula. Nothing is included for sensory appeal, cost reduction, or marketing value. The result is a complete ingredient list of 14 items or fewer per product.

Ingredient	Function	Why It's In Every Formula
Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3)	Barrier lipid	One of the three primary ceramides found in the human stratum corneum. Measurably reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and is clinically proven to improve barrier function in eczema and dry skin. Skin-identical — it integrates directly into the existing lipid matrix.
Ceramide AP (Ceramide 6)	Barrier lipid	A long-chain ceramide found specifically in the uppermost layers of the epidermis. Works synergistically with Ceramide NP and EOP to restore the full ceramide ratio of healthy skin. Particularly important for barrier renewal in chronically damaged or atopic skin.
Ceramide EOP (Ceramide 1)	Barrier lipid	An acylceramide essential to the structural integrity of the outermost barrier layer. Found to be significantly depleted in eczema and psoriasis skin. Restoring Ceramide EOP has been shown to improve cohesion of the lipid lamellar layers that constitute the barrier.
Sodium Hyaluronate	Humectant	The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid — more bioavailable and better absorbed than free hyaluronic acid because of its smaller molecular mass. Binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Draws moisture from the dermis to the epidermis and from the environment into the skin.
Glycerin	Humectant	A naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). Functions as both a humectant and an osmoprotectant, maintaining water balance within the stratum corneum. Clinically proven safe and effective at all concentrations with no known sensitization potential.
Petrolatum	Occlusive	One of the most thoroughly studied ingredients in dermatology. Creates a semi-occlusive physical layer on the skin surface that dramatically reduces TEWL without fully blocking gas exchange. Recommended as a first-line emollient by the American Academy of Dermatology for eczema and dry skin. No sensitizing potential.
Dimethicone	Occlusive / Skin protectant	A silicone polymer derived from silica (a naturally occurring mineral). Provides a breathable occlusive layer, reduces friction and irritation, and fills in surface irregularities. Zero known sensitization potential across decades of clinical use. Maintains skin breathability better than purely wax-based occlusives.
Cetearyl Olivate	Emulsifier / Emollient	An olive oil-derived emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula. Also contributes emollient properties, softening and smoothing the skin surface. Derived from natural sources but selected specifically because it is not in the allergen-flagged glucoside surfactant family.
Sorbitan Olivate	Emulsifier	A combined olive oil and sorbitol (sugar alcohol) ester. Works with cetearyl olivate to form a stable, skin-compatible emulsion system. Enhances the skin-feel of the formula without introducing allergen risk. Part of the Olivem system, which closely mimics skin's own lipid structure.
Di/Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate	Surfactant (cleanser)	An amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. Provides effective cleansing with a significantly milder irritation profile than conventional sulfate or glucoside surfactants. Biodegradable, pH-compatible with skin, and free from sensitizing potential. Used specifically to avoid the allergen-flagged cocamidopropyl betaine and glucoside class.
Arginine	Antioxidant / Skin repair	An essential amino acid that functions as both an antioxidant and a component in the skin's natural repair processes. Supports wound healing at the skin surface level, contributes to the barrier's acid mantle, and provides mild free-radical protection. Naturally found in healthy skin.
Carbomer	Texture / Absorption enhancer	A synthetic polymer used in small concentrations to thicken formulas to the appropriate viscosity and to improve the skin penetration of active ingredients. Widely studied for safety; no known sensitization potential at the concentrations used in skincare. Ensures that barrier-repairing actives are delivered effectively rather than sitting on the skin surface.
Citric Acid	pH adjuster / Antioxidant	A naturally occurring organic acid used to adjust formula pH to match skin's own pH range (approximately 4.5–5.5), which is critical for barrier enzyme function and microbiome health. Also functions as a mild antioxidant. Used at very low concentrations purely for functional pH correction.
Glycolipids	Conditioning / Barrier support	Natural conditioning agents structurally analogous to ceramides, found in plant cell membranes. Increase skin moisture content and support the barrier's lipid organization. Complement the ceramide complex by broadening the range of barrier lipids provided by the formula.
Phenoxyethanol	Preservative	A broad-spectrum preservative that prevents microbial contamination without the allergen risk associated with alternatives such as parabens, MI/MCI, formaldehyde releasers, or methyldibromoglutaronitrile. Used at low concentrations; one of the most well-tolerated preservative options available for sensitive-skin formulation.
Xanthan Gum	Stabilizer	A food-grade, fermentation-derived polysaccharide used to maintain formula stability over time. Prevents ingredient separation and maintains consistent texture and performance throughout the product's shelf life. No known sensitization potential; widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

Ingredients We Deliberately Exclude — and Why

The following represents a curated selection of the most clinically significant allergen categories systematically excluded from every Untoxicated formula. These are not niche or obscure compounds — they are mainstream skincare ingredients used daily by millions of people and found in products carrying "sensitive skin," "hypoallergenic," and "dermatologist recommended" labels.

The complete list of 128 excluded allergens is available on the FAQ page. Below are the categories of greatest clinical significance, with explanation of why each was excluded.

Ingredient / Category	Why It's Banned
Fragrance Mix I & II (all fragrance compounds)	Fragrance is the single most common cause of contact allergic dermatitis in skincare. Fragrance Mix I and II are the standard patch-test panels covering the most documented sensitizers, including cinnamal, eugenol, isoeugenol, and hydroxycitronellal. Even "unscented" products may contain masking fragrances. Untoxicated uses zero fragrance of any kind — no synthetic, natural, or masking fragrance.
Essential Oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, spearmint)	Plant-derived essential oils are among the most potent and well-documented contact allergens in clinical dermatology. They are frequently used in products marketed as "clean" or "natural." Lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus are all documented sensitizers. Tea tree oil in particular oxidizes on contact with air to produce significantly more reactive compounds.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)	MI and MCI are preservatives responsible for a widespread epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis, so severe that the European Union has moved to ban MI from leave-on products entirely. They remain legal and common in the U.S. They are found in products labeled for sensitive skin and baby care.
Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)	Parabens were the industry standard preservative for decades. They are now recognized as sensitizers and have been flagged for endocrine-disrupting potential. Despite growing evidence of their allergen profile, they remain common in moisturizers, sunscreens, and baby products.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine	A surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. Widely used in shampoos, body washes, and baby cleansers — including those marketed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. One of the most frequently positive results in standard patch testing, particularly in atopic individuals. Replaced in Untoxicated formulas by di/sodium cocoyl glutamate.
Glucoside Surfactants (coco-, cetearyl-, decyl-, lauryl glucoside)	The glucoside class of surfactants — including coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside — is aggressively marketed as "mild," "plant-derived," and "gentle for sensitive skin." Clinical evidence increasingly contradicts this. These are documented contact allergens, and their presence in sensitive-skin products represents one of the most significant current gaps between marketing claims and dermatological reality.
Propylene Glycol	A ubiquitous solvent and humectant found in an enormous range of skincare, pharmaceutical, and personal care products. A well-documented contact allergen, particularly in leave-on products where exposure is prolonged. Sensitization to propylene glycol can make a wide range of everyday products intolerable.
Oat Extract (Avena Sativa)	Perhaps the most counterintuitive exclusion for eczema-focused consumers. Oat extract has been heavily marketed as a calming, soothing ingredient for reactive skin and appears in the majority of eczema-marketed products. Clinical evidence increasingly implicates oat as a contact sensitizer, with particular concern in infants and children who develop oat sensitivity through early topical exposure — predisposing them to future food-related reactions.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)	A widely used emollient celebrated in natural and clean beauty. Shea butter contains proteins that cross-react with latex, and sensitization has been documented in individuals without prior latex exposure. It is a common ingredient in products specifically targeted at dry, eczema, and sensitive skin — where barrier disruption increases the likelihood of sensitization.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate)	Vitamin E appears as a "healing" and antioxidant ingredient in a large proportion of moisturizers, body oils, and eczema creams. Tocopherol acetate is a documented contact allergen and is one of the more common causes of allergic reactions to products used specifically for skin repair. Its inclusion in therapeutic skincare products is a clinical paradox.
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives	Formaldehyde is a well-established allergen and carcinogen. While free formaldehyde is rarely used in skincare, preservative systems that release formaldehyde during product storage — including imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, and quaternium — remain common. These are excluded in their entirety from Untoxicated formulas.
Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon Pereirae)	A complex natural resin used as a fragrance and flavor compound. Balsam of Peru is a standard patch-test allergen because it cross-reacts with a wide range of other sensitizers, including fragrance compounds, cinnamates, vanilla, and certain fruits. Sensitization to Balsam of Peru can produce widespread reactivity to otherwise unrelated products.
Benzophenone UV Filters (benzophenone-3, -4, -10)	UV filters in the benzophenone class are among the most documented photocontact allergens — requiring both the chemical and UV light exposure to trigger a reaction. Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) is additionally flagged for potential endocrine disruption and coral reef toxicity. Excluded from all Untoxicated formulations.
Chlorhexidine & Benzalkonium Chloride	Common antimicrobial agents used in "antibacterial" and "clean" skincare formulations. Both are documented contact allergens and can trigger reactions of varying severity — from mild dermatitis to, in rare cases, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis with chlorhexidine exposure in sensitized individuals.
Compositae / Daisy Family Extracts (chamomile, calendula, arnica)	Botanical extracts from the Compositae (Asteraceae) plant family are extremely common in "soothing," "natural," and baby skincare. Chamomile and calendula in particular are marketed specifically as calming. Yet the Compositae mix is a standard allergen panel in patch testing, and sensitization to one family member often confers reactivity to others.

Independent Validation

The Untoxicated standard has been independently verified by two of the most rigorous third-party bodies in the sensitive and eczema skincare category. These certifications are not self-reported claims — they require external scientific review and ongoing compliance.

National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™

The most trusted independent mark for eczema-safe products. Awarded after scientific review confirms a product is free from the NEA's ingredient exclusion list. Untoxicated holds this seal because it exceeds the NEA's minimum requirements — not merely meets them.

SkinSAFE 100/100 Rating

Developed in partnership with the Mayo Clinic. A 100/100 score is the highest possible designation, indicating best-in-class safety for sensitive skin. The rating reflects the complete absence of the allergens and irritants that SkinSAFE's Mayo Clinic-derived algorithm identifies as causing the vast majority of adverse skin reactions.

The Untoxicated Product Range

Every product below is built on the same allergen-free, barrier-first formulation philosophy. All are clinically vetted, dermatologist approved, safe for all ages and skin types, and suitable for daily use on face and body.

Product	Primary Benefit for Sensitive Skin
Lightweight Hydrate Face & Body Lotion	Daily all-over hydration. Featherweight texture with ceramides, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate to continuously replenish moisture without occlusion.
Blank Slate Micellar Water	Fragrance-free, rinse-free cleansing. Removes makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants without disrupting the skin barrier or triggering immune response.
Moisture Boost Face & Body Cream	Intensive barrier restoration. Rich ceramide and petrolatum formula for eczema-prone, severely dry, or inflamed skin requiring deep repair.
Clean Start Facial Cleanser	Gentle daily cleansing. Removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the acid mantle or introducing surfactant allergens.
Moisture Boost Cream Minis (Multi-Pack)	The same barrier-restoring cream in convenient travel sizes. Consistent protection on the go — no compromises on formula safety.

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