SkincareSafety Guide

Skin

Understand your skin type, tone, and what your skin is doing.

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Start here

Skin typesThe main skin types and how they differ.Find your skin typeA practical identification guide.What different skin types look likeVisual differences between common skin types.

Common skin questions

Oily skinWhat oily skin means and how to read it.Skin type changesHow skin type can shift over time.Skin type and ageHow visible aging differs by skin type.
Not sure where to start?Use the skin-type guide before choosing routines or ingredients.

Concerns

Start from a skin problem or visible change.

View concern guides

Oil and acne

Why oily skin happensThe main drivers behind excess oil.Oily skin and acneHow oil can contribute to breakouts.Can oily skin cause acne?A direct answer to the oil-acne link.

Changes and warning signs

Stress and oily skinHow stress may affect oiliness.Dehydration and oilinessWhy skin can feel oily and dehydrated.Skin cancer signsVisual signs that need professional attention.
Looking for a solution?Start with what oily skin actually needs before adding stronger products.

Ingredients

Understand what ingredients do and whether they fit your skin.

View ingredient questions

Explore ingredients

NiacinamideA practical ingredient overview.Vitamin C serumWho can use vitamin C and when to be careful.RetinolHow retinol fits different skin types.

Use safely

Salicylic acidWhere this acne-focused ingredient fits.Niacinamide for all skin typesSuitability across skin types.Ingredient comparisonsUse comparisons to avoid mismatched decisions.
Can my skin use this?Browse compatibility questions before adding a new active.

Routines

Turn skin information into daily decisions.

View routine questions

Daily basics

Does every skin type need moisturizer?A basic routine decision.Does every skin type need sunscreen?Where SPF fits in daily care.What oily skin needsA simple care direction for oily skin.

Adjust over time

Skin changes with ageWhen your routine may need to change.Seasonal skin changesHow weather affects skin behavior.Korean skincare approachWhat is useful beneath the trend.
Starting from scratch?Begin with moisturizer, sunscreen, and one skin-specific need.

Products

A small selection of skincare products recommended by OuterDerm for simple, effective everyday routines.

View all products

Recommended picks

Daily SunscreenDaily UV protection that has to be wearable enough to stick with.Azelaic AcidA focused 10% azelaic acid when uneven tone or blemish marks are the concern.Gentle CleanserComfortable cleansing when tight or squeaky skin is a warning sign.
Not sure where to start?Browse three carefully selected essentials, then ask on WhatsApp before you order.

Learn

Go deeper into skin science, myths, evidence, and safety.

View learning guides

Hazardous ingredients

Safety hubStart with mercury, steroids, PPD and other hazardous substances.Ingredient safety indexBrowse Phase 1 and Phase 2 hazardous ingredients.Mercury in whitening creamsLabel names, Punjab alerts, and what to do now.

Product literacy

Product literacy hubHow to read labels, claims, and INCI lists before you buy.How to read an ingredient labelINCI order, Parfum, and missing-list red flags.Fragrance-free vs unscentedHow to verify a fragrance-free claim on the ingredient list.How to choose sunscreenBroad spectrum, wearability, and a readable pack — not a fairness claim.

Skin science

Skin color geneticsHow inherited traits shape skin color.Skin color typesHow skin tone is commonly grouped.Are skin types genetic?What genetics can and cannot explain.

Evidence and myths

Can all skin types tan?Tanning, risk, and skin type.Is oily skin good or bad?A balanced view of oily skin.Why Korean skin looks flawlessTrend claims translated into practical basics.
Want the evidence layer?Use why-guides when you want causes, mechanisms, and context.

Hair dye allergens

Allergy caution

Hair dye allergens can sensitize skin — prior reactions mean higher caution.

Main concern: Allergy can cause swelling, blistering or breathing difficulty in severe cases.

Do now: Check label names; stop use if burning or swelling starts and seek help for breathing difficulty.

Moderate severityModerate confidenceModerate confidence evidence

Last reviewed 17 Aug 2026

Label par naam check karein Agar use kar chuke hain Evidence aur sources dekhein
Moderate confidence2 sources Reviewed 17 Aug 2026OuterDerm fact-check deskModerate confidence · NHS and FDA sources on file Evidence aur sources dekhein
What it isSensitisers in hair colour and some henna mixes — not every product causes a reaction.
Where foundBox hair dye · Salon hair colour · Permanent and semi-permanent dyes · Salon colour mixes
Main concernAllergy can cause swelling, blistering or breathing difficulty in severe cases.
What to doCheck label names; stop use if burning or swelling starts and seek help for breathing difficulty.

ExplainWhat the substance is

Sensitising chemicals used in oxidative hair dyes, some henna mixtures and related salon products. Reactions range from irritation to allergic contact dermatitis.

Hair dye aur black henna mein allergens ho sakte hain jo pehli dafa ya dobara use par reaction trigger kar sakte hain. Label par naam check karein aur agar pehle reaction hui ho to dobara risk na lein.

WhereWhere it may be found

Not every product in these categories contains this substance. These are common contexts where exposure has been documented or reported.

Common product categories

  • Box hair dye
  • Salon hair colour
  • Black henna (street or event)
  • Beard dye

Typical exposure contexts

  • Permanent and semi-permanent dyes
  • Salon colour mixes
  • Temporary black henna at events
  • Beard and brow tint kits

Main exposure route: Skin contact during application; inhalation of fumes in poorly ventilated salons

Why it appears in products
  • Required for oxidative hair dye colour development
  • Sometimes added to black henna for faster staining

If usedAgar use kar chuke hain

  • Stop the hair dye, henna or tint product you suspect.
  • Rinse exposed skin with lukewarm running water; do not scrub aggressively.
  • Note the product name, shade and whether it was salon or home use.
  • Seek urgent care if breathing is difficult or lips or eyes swell rapidly.

Keep the product, batch code and seller details in a sealed bag for reporting if needed.

Urgent

Seek urgent medical help if you notice

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Wheezing
  • Facial or lip swelling
  • Spreading blistering rash

OuterDerm does not diagnose reactions or prescribe treatment. Use professional care when symptoms concern you.

Report a suspected product

Salon workers

Repeated exposure in salons

  • Salon staff with repeated dye exposure should use gloves, ventilation and follow manufacturer safety sheets.

RiskWhen it becomes risky

  • Previous dye reaction
  • Leave-on time longer than instructions
  • Black henna with added PPD
  • Salon worker repeated exposure

HealthHealth effects by evidence strength

strong evidence

  • Allergic contact dermatitis

    NHS notes hair dyes and cosmetics can cause allergic contact dermatitis; symptoms may include itching, redness and blistering.

    Contact dermatitis

Medical

Symptoms requiring medical advice

  • Facial or eyelid swelling
  • Breathing difficulty after dye application
  • Blistering or oozing rash spreading beyond application site

PopulationsPregnancy, children & workers

  • Workers & salon exposure

    Salon staff with repeated dye exposure should use gloves, ventilation and follow manufacturer safety sheets.

    Hair dyes and hair relaxers

ProductsVerified product findings

OuterDerm ke paas is waqt koi reviewed product-specific finding publish karne ke liye available nahi.

AlternativesSafer alternatives

  • Ask salon about PPD-free or lower-exposure optionsprofessional care

    If you have reacted before, discuss ingredient lists and alternatives with a dermatologist or experienced colourist.

UnderstandIs substance ko detail mein samjhein

RecoverAgar use kar chuke hain — ab kya karein

Choose differentlySafer alternatives aur routines

FamilyRelated substances in this family

ReviewSources & update history

Author: OuterDerm editorial team

Reviewer: OuterDerm fact-check desk

Last reviewed: 17 Aug 2026

  • Contact dermatitis — NHS · Accessed 2026-08-17 · United Kingdom

    Supports: Hair dyes and other cosmetics can trigger allergic contact dermatitis; PPD is a documented cause in hair-dye allergy.

  • Hair dyes and hair relaxers — U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Accessed 2026-08-17 · United States

    Supports: Hair dyes can cause allergic reactions; consumers should follow label instructions and stop use if irritation occurs.