The Empty Truths Behind “Hypoallergenic” Labeling
Zirwas MJ. Attempting to Define “Hypoallergenic”. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(11):1093‐1094. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3045
Liem O, Kessen K, de Groot H. Hypoallergene dieren behoren tot het rijk der fabeldieren [Hypoallergenic animals, fact or myth?]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2019;164:D4298. Published 2019 Dec 31.
Reviewed by Jalal Maghfour and Dr. Alina Goldenberg
Hypoallergenic is a term that has been traditionally associated with “allergens/fragrance free”. Often time, products labeled as hypoallergenic are expensive and are advertised as a safe alternative for individuals who are sensitized to certain allergens. Additionally, the term has gradually gained popularity in describing certain domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that in theory, will not cause an allergic reaction. In reality, the term “hypoallergenic” is a dynamic word; its definition continues to evolve and change.
In this synopsis, we focused on articles that discuss what the new criteria of hypoallergenic term is and we hope, through this synopsis, to dismantle common misconceptions about hypoallergenic products as well as domesticated animals with the goal to aid clinicians in counseling patients suffering from allergic conditions.
The most important question to ask is: Are there any products that are truly hypoallergenic? The simple answer is “No”. There are no such products that are “non-allergenic”. Instead, certain allergenic compounds can still be used if they induce a skin reaction at a low frequency in the general population.
Recently, the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) has decided that for a product to be considered hypoallergenic it should not contain any allergenic ingredients that have a frequency of positive patch test results of 1 % or greater. This data was derived from a comprehensive patch test database containing at least 1,000 patients. While this frequency was set arbitrarily, it has been partially followed in practice—allergens yielding a positive patch test at a frequency greater than 1% are often added to screening trays used in patch testing.
In parallel, there is an increasing belief that some breeds/types of cats and dogs are hypoallergenic. This is a common misconception, as these types of animals do not exist. Instead, sensitized individuals may experience a reduction in skin reaction episodes in the presence of animals that shed less fur. This is because the offending allergen— dander (dead flaky skin), is often adherent to the fur which is shed at a different frequency based on the type of animal.
Hence, when counseling patients, it is important to emphasize that there are no such things as hypoallergenic products and/or animals. If manufacturers adhere to the 2017 NACDG definition of “hypoallergenic” for their product labeling, these products will truly be less likely to cause a skin reaction and will promote patients’ safety.
