SkincareSafety Guide

Skin

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

View all skin guides

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 relaxer chemicals

Avoid high-strength home use

Strong salon chemicals — scalp burns and fumes if timing or mixing goes wrong.

Main concern: FDA hair product guidance notes serious scalp irritation can occur when products are left too long or applied to broken…

Do now: Follow instructions exactly; rinse immediately if burning; never mix unknown products.

High severityModerate confidenceModerate confidence evidence

Last reviewed 17 Aug 2026

Label par naam check karein Agar use kar chuke hain Evidence aur sources dekhein
Moderate confidence1 source Reviewed 17 Aug 2026OuterDerm fact-check deskModerate confidence · 1 source(s) on file Evidence aur sources dekhein
What it isStrong alkalis and oxidizers used to reshape or lighten hair in salon or home kits. They differ from ordinary shampoo and require timing, g…
Where foundLye/no-lye relaxers · Salon straightening · Salon relaxer services · Home relaxer kits
Main concernFDA hair product guidance notes serious scalp irritation can occur when products are left too long or applied to broken…
What to doFollow instructions exactly; rinse immediately if burning; never mix unknown products.

ExplainWhat the substance is

Strong alkalis and oxidizers used to reshape or lighten hair in salon or home kits. They differ from ordinary shampoo and require timing, gloves and scalp protection.

Relaxer, bleach aur keratin systems mein strong alkalis ya oxidizers ho sakte hain. Scalp burn, hair breakage aur salon fumes ka khayal rakhein — mixing products instructions ke baghair na karein.

LabelsLabel par naam check karein

Sodium hydroxidechemicalGuanidine hydroxidechemicalLye relaxertrade or common name
Scientific / common name
Hair relaxer chemicals
Short name
Hair relaxers

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

  • Lye/no-lye relaxers
  • Salon straightening
  • Bleach powder + developer systems

Typical exposure contexts

  • Salon relaxer services
  • Home relaxer kits
  • Beauty supply bulk containers

Main exposure route: Scalp contact; inhalation of powder fumes during bleaching

Why it appears in products
  • Hair straightening
  • Curl pattern change
  • Combined with bleach in lightening

If usedAgar use kar chuke hain

  • Rinse thoroughly if burning starts — do not "push through" pain.
  • Do not reapply relaxer or bleach on broken scalp skin.
  • Seek help for open sores or severe pain.

Urgent

Seek urgent medical help if you notice

  • Open scalp wounds
  • Severe pain after rinse
  • Facial swelling from fumes

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 workers should use gloves, timed application and ventilation especially with powder lighteners.

RiskWhen it becomes risky

  • Scalp scratches or active dermatitis
  • Overlapping onto previously relaxed hair
  • Mixing incompatible products
  • Poor ventilation with powders

HealthHealth effects by evidence strength

moderate evidence

  • Chemical scalp burns

    FDA hair product guidance notes serious scalp irritation can occur when products are left too long or applied to broken skin.

    Hair dyes and hair relaxers

Medical

Symptoms requiring medical advice

  • Open scalp sores after relaxer
  • Severe burning not relieved after rinsing
  • Hair loss in patches with pain

PopulationsPregnancy, children & workers

  • Workers & salon exposure

    Salon workers should use gloves, timed application and ventilation especially with powder lighteners.

    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

  • Professional consultation for damage repairprofessional care

    Trichologist or dermatologist guidance helps after chemical overprocessing.

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

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

    Supports: Hair and salon products can cause irritation and allergic reactions; follow label and ventilation guidance.