• Question: How are hypo-allergic drugs developed?

    Asked by Izzy to Aaron, David, Elaine, Sarah, Zoe on 15 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: David Foley

      David Foley answered on 15 Nov 2014:

      Izzy – do you mean hypoallergenic?

      This is simply a term used by the cosmetics industry to suggest their products are safe for sensitive skin. It is not a true scientific concept and there are no tests for it so to speak. Essentially during trials of the product the company monitors for allergic reactions – if the number is below a certain threshold it can be called hypoallergenic.

    • Photo: Zoe Roberts

      Zoe Roberts answered on 17 Nov 2014:

      Hypoallergenic is a word that some manufacturers use to claim that their body lotion (for example) will cause less allergic reactions than say the standard one on the market. This is not a standard that has to be met by manyfacturers but is useful if you have severe allergies. As with new products it is best to put it on a small area and see if you react before cover larger areas with it.

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