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Skincare ingredients don’t affect everyone the same way. What leaves one person glowing might cause irritation, redness, or an allergic response in someone else. This holds true for both lab-created and natural ingredients—yes, even something as soothing as aloe vera can be a trigger for certain individuals. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common irritants found in skincare products and highlight which ingredients we include or avoid at Wild Alchemy Botanicals. It’s designed as a helpful reference—but always remember: no one knows your skin better than you do. To help you quickly identify where we stand on each ingredient, you’ll see: ✔  Tick mark = Ingredients we choose to include ✖  Cross mark = Ingredients we intentionally leave out ✖ Fragrances - Common Skin Irritants in Skincare Fragrance is one of the most common triggers for sensitive skin. Even products labelled “unscented” may still contain masking fragrances that irritate. Whether synthetic or naturally derived, fragrances can lead to allergic reactions and heightened skin sensitivity. Common fragrance ingredients to watch for: Linalool  – Often found in lavender and floral oils Limonene  – Used for its citrus scent Geraniol  – Present in rose oil and lemongrass ✖ Alcohols Not all alcohols are harmful, but certain types—especially denatured alcohol (listed as alcohol denat )—can dry out your skin and damage the natural barrier over time. While these alcohols are often included for their quick-drying effect, they may lead to irritation or increased sensitivity. Common drying alcohols: Ethanol  – Found in toners and sanitisers Isopropyl alcohol  – Used in astringents Benzyl alcohol  – Appears in fragrances and preservatives ✖ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Used in foaming cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste, SLS is a known irritant—especially for dry or reactive skin. It strips away natural oils, weakening the skin barrier and increasing the likelihood of inflammation and sensitivity. Related surfactants to note: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)  – A gentler alternative, but still may cause issues Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate  – Considered milder and used in gentler formulations ✖ Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) PEGs act as emollients and emulsifiers but can cause stinging, redness, or itching for those with sensitive skin. Their effect depends on the individual and the product formulation. Examples of PEGs: PEG-6 Stearate  – Often in creams and lotions PEG-3 Myristate  – Used for emulsifying in cosmetics ✖ Benzoyl Peroxide Commonly found in acne products, benzoyl peroxide is effective at reducing breakouts but can also trigger peeling, burning, and dryness—especially when used too frequently or without proper hydration. Forms of this ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide  – Acne-fighting agent Benzophenone  – A UV filter, sometimes linked with skin sensitisation ✔ / ✖ Retinoids Retinoids are powerful tools for anti-ageing and acne, but they’re not for everyone. They can initially cause flaking, redness, or sensitivity. If introducing retinoids into your routine, do so gradually and follow up with hydrating, barrier-supportive care. Common retinoids: Retinol  – A gentler, over-the-counter option Tretinoin  – A prescription-strength retinoid for acne ✔ / ✖ Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) AHAs exfoliate dead skin cells and improve texture, but can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. Used correctly and sparingly, they can brighten and renew—but overuse may disrupt the skin barrier. Popular AHAs: Glycolic Acid  – Potent and effective exfoliant Lactic Acid  – Milder, suitable for sensitive skin types ✖ Chemical Sunscreens Some chemical sunscreen filters are linked to irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive skin. At Wild Alchemy Botanicals, we favour mineral-based (physical) sunscreens  like zinc oxide, which sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays without absorbing into the skin. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients: Oxybenzone  – Often linked with skin and hormonal disruption Avobenzone  – Absorbs UVA rays but can degrade in sunlight without stabilisers Understanding what goes into your skincare is just as important as knowing what to leave out. At Wild Alchemy Botanicals, we choose ingredients with intention—guided by both clinical insight and a deep respect for nature’s wisdom. Your skin deserves gentleness, effectiveness, and transparency. And if you’re ever unsure, patch test and pay attention to how your skin responds. Because the best skincare always begins with listening to you. Always Patch Test New Skincare Products Remember, even when using products with gentle or natural ingredients, everyone's skin reacts differently. That's why we always recommend patch testing any new skincare product before full application—especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Taking this simple precaution can help you avoid irritation and ensure the product is right for your unique skin. 👉 Learn how to patch test properly in our step-by-step guide. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What does it mean to have sensitive skin? A: Sensitive skin is more reactive than normal, often showing redness, stinging, itching, or breakouts when exposed to certain ingredients, fragrances, or environmental stressors. Q: Which ingredients should people with sensitive skin avoid? A: Common irritants include synthetic fragrance, harsh alcohols, sulfates, and overly strong acids. Even some natural essential oils can be triggering, depending on your skin. Q: Are Wild Alchemy Botanicals products suitable for sensitive skin? A: Some of our formulations are gentle enough for sensitive skin, while others may not be. If you’re unsure, we always recommend a patch test first, and you’re welcome to reach out for personalised recommendations. Q: Do you have products specifically for sensitive or reactive skin? A: Yes — we’re currently developing our **Ultra Gentle Botanical Kit** (launching 2026), crafted especially for those with eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. In the meantime, our lighter serums and hydrosols are often a good starting point. Q: Do you ship internationally for sensitive skin customers outside NZ? A: Absolutely. We ship across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE — so you can access our gentle, carefully formulated skincare wherever you are.   🌿 Support your sensitive skin with gentle botanicals. Our Revive and Glow Serum ,  together with our Orange Blossom Cucumber Hydrosol  and Rosa Damascena Mānuka Hydrosol  are crafted with calming, skin-loving ingredients to soothe, hydrate, and refresh even the most delicate complexions. I’m Sandra, the owner of Wild Alchemy Botanicals — creating small-batch botanical skincare right here in New Zealand. With nearly 20 years of experience in skin therapy, I blend nature, science, and skill into every product. Explore more ingredient insights, product guides, and behind-the-scenes musings — or discover our full collection of skincare . Here’s to the beauty of small-batch skincare, Sandra  🌿 Navigating Skin Sensitivity: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Common Irritants in Skincare

Harnessing the power of Aotearoa’s native healing plants, our Kawakawa & Kānuka Oil Blend is a deeply soothing, multipurpose treatment for dry, irritated, and sensitive skin.This small-batch formulation unites the therapeutic strength of Kawakawa and Kānuka with the nurturing richness of organic plant oils — a balanced harmony of protection, nourishment, and calm. The Story Behind the Blend Kawakawa  and Kānuka  are two of Aotearoa’s most revered rākau rongoā  — healing trees long used in traditional Māori medicine. While Kawakawa  helps calm irritation and support skin repair, Kānuka  brings a clarifying and purifying energy to reactive or blemish-prone skin. Together, they form the heart of our Restore & Balance™ Complex  — a synergy designed to soothe, replenish, and restore the skin’s natural equilibrium. Restore & Balance™ Complex Our Restore & Balance™ Complex  captures the essence of these two native botanicals within a base of nourishing organic plant oils rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This balanced infusion delivers comfort and resilience without heaviness, helping restore softness, elasticity, and calm to skin that feels stressed, dry, or reactive. Key Actions ✔ Calms visible redness and irritation ✔ Supports barrier repair and hydration ✔ Provides natural antioxidant protection against environmental stress ✔ Leaves skin supple, smooth, and radiant Why It Works Each bottle is handcrafted in small batches to preserve the integrity of its native botanicals and organic plant oils . This blend brings together the best of Aotearoa’s healing flora with emollients that replenish, shield against oxidative stress, and restore harmony to both skin and scalp. FAQ Q: What makes this blend unique ? It combines native botanical strength with organic plant oils to create a lightweight, non-greasy formula that calms, protects, and nourishes all skin types. Q: Is it suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin? Yes. The blend was developed to comfort fragile or reactive skin and help restore balance gently and effectively. Q: Can it be used on the scalp or body? Absolutely. Its versatile texture makes it ideal for face to body to scalp — wherever the skin needs care. Q: Do you ship internationally? Yes, we ship worldwide so you can experience the restorative energy of Aotearoa’s botanicals wherever you are.

Last November, I briefly introduced the concept of inflammaging and its effect on our skin in my article on collagen and glycine. Let’s explore this important topic more deeply — and how we can reduce its impact through balanced, restorative skincare. What Is Inflammaging? Inflammaging  merges “inflammation” and “ageing.” It describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that gradually increases as we age. While inflammation is a natural healing response, persistent inflammation can quietly disrupt many biological functions — including the skin’s ability to stay firm, hydrated, and resilient. As we grow older, the immune system releases more inflammatory cytokines (signalling proteins). Over time, this can trigger visible changes in the skin — dryness, dullness, loss of elasticity, or irritation — that mirror accelerated ageing. How Inflammaging Affects the Skin ✔ Decreased Collagen Production Chronic inflammation interferes with collagen renewal, reducing firmness and elasticity and leading to fine lines and sagging. ✔ Skin Barrier Dysfunction Inflammaging weakens the outer barrier, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily — a root cause of sensitivity, dryness, and flare-ups. ✔ Increased Oxidative Stress imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants accelerates skin damage, dullness, and uneven tone. ✔ Impaired Wound Healing Inflamed or ageing skin heals more slowly and can remain reactive longer after stress or breakouts. ✔ Changes in Texture & Radiance  Over time, inflammation contributes to roughness and loss of glow — skin that looks tired rather than luminous. Preventive Care & Management Ageing is inevitable - but inflammaging  can be softened through mindful care and consistent habits: ✔ Nourishing Diet Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 sources. These help counter internal inflammation. ✔ Supportive Skincare Choose formulations that strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity. Products powered by HydraCalm™  and RadianceRenew™ Complexes  help hydrate, brighten, and soothe — reducing visible signs of inflammation. ✔ Balanced Lifestyle Regular movement, deep sleep, and stress management all influence how the skin renews and repairs. Hydration and rest are as vital as any serum. ✔ Sun Protection exposure heightens inflammation and collagen breakdown. Use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, rain or shine. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What does inflammaging mean? A: Inflammaging refers to chronic, low-level inflammation that accelerates the skin’s natural ageing process. It can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, dullness, and loss of firmness over time. Q: What causes inflammaging? A: Everyday stressors such as UV exposure, pollution, poor diet, stress, and even harsh skincare products can trigger micro-inflammation in the skin. Over time, these small reactions accumulate and speed up visible ageing. Q: Can skincare help with inflammaging? A: Yes. Anti-inflammatory botanicals like kawakawa, niacinamide, and antioxidants such as Vitamin C can calm irritation and support skin barrier repair — helping reduce the long-term effects of inflammageing. However, the most effective way to combat and manage inflammaging is through a holistic approach: diet, lifestyle, and high-quality supplements or powders that reduce systemic inflammation. Q: Is inflammaging the same as sensitive skin? A: Not quite. While sensitive skin often reacts quickly to irritants, inflammaging is a slower, silent process. You may not notice immediate flare-ups, but the cumulative inflammation contributes to premature ageing. Q: What’s the best way to protect my skin? A: A holistic approach works best: daily SPF, antioxidant-rich skincare, balanced nutrition, and consistent hydration. Our formulations pair actives with soothing botanicals to help strengthen the skin barrier and resist premature ageing. I’m Sandra, the owner of Wild Alchemy Botanicals — creating small-batch botanical skincare right here in New Zealand. With almost 20 years in skin therapy, I blend nature, science, and skill into every product. Explore more ingredient insights, product guides, and behind-the-scenes musings — or discover our full collection of skincare. What is Inflammaging and How Does It Affect Your Skin?