Lotions are lightweight, water-based emulsions used to hydrate and soften skin or to serve as a delivery base for active ingredients. They typically contain water, emollients, humectants, and emulsifiers.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild stinging or transient irritation | Common | Often from added fragrances, alcohols, or preservatives, especially on broken or sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic) | Uncommon | Linked to preservatives, fragrances, lanolin, or emulsifiers in the formulation. |
| Acne or folliculitis (comedogenic reaction) | Uncommon | More likely with heavier emollient or oil-rich lotions on acne-prone skin. |
| Allergic contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate hives from specific allergens such as fragrance or botanical extracts. |
| Systemic reactions from absorbed ingredients | Very rare | Reported mainly with medicated lotions or application over large/damaged skin areas. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.