A simple guide for patch testing your skincare

I know, I know. Patch testing sounds lab-ratty and boring. But it really could save you from a full-face freakout.

What is patch testing?

It’s the skincare version of a taste test.

Before applying that shiny new serum all over your gorgeous face, you try it on a small patch of skin to make sure your body doesn’t hate it. Simple.

It’s especially helpful if:

• you’ve got sensitive, reactive or allergy-prone skin
• you’re trying a product with active ingredients (like retinoids or vitamin C)
• you’ve ever had an adverse (big, bad) reaction to skincare
• you have trust issues.

How to patch test

It’s not complicated, but you need a little patience.

Step 1: Choose your patch spot

The skin on your face is different from the skin on other areas of your body, so where you patch test is important.

Pick a discreet area on your face or neck. Behind your ear or on your jaw works great.

Step 2: Apply a small amount

Use a clean finger or cotton tip to apply a pea-sized amount of the product onto clean, dry skin.

Step 3: Watch and wait

If you don’t notice an immediate reaction, like burning or stinging, wash the product off with water.

If not, leave the product on for 24 hours. No washing, no rubbing, no poking.

If it’s a rinse-off product (such as a cleanser or exfoliant), apply it, wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off. Monitor the area for the rest of the day.

If you experience redness, itching, bumps or burning, the product is a no-no for you.
A slight tingling from actives can be normal. But if it full on stinging? Ah, no. Not for you.
If your skin stays calm and happy, you’re probably good to go. Yay!

Step 4: Enjoy your new product

Your skin called. It says thank you and enjoy your new product!

A little caveat for cuties with sensitive skin

(Me, I’m cuties with sensitive skin.)

Some reactions don’t show up immediately, they can take 48 - 72 hours. If you’ve got reactive skin, you might want to test more than once, or wait a little longer before going full-face. I know the wait is a bummer, but it could be the difference between “Yay, glow!” and “Oh-no!”, you know?

Don’t skip it (even if TikTok says it’s amazing)

We get it. You just spent $84 on serum and reviewers say it changed their life. But what works for someone else might make your skin rage-quit.

Patch testing is peace of mind. We love peace of mind.

TL;DR

• Patch testing helps you avoid unwanted reactions.
• Test behind the ear or on your jaw.
• Give it 24 hours (or more, if you’re super sensitive).
• If all is calm, carry on!