Patch Testing
At Medik8, we always recommend performing a patch test before incorporating any new product into your skincare routine.
What is a patch test?
Although relatively rare, reactions from allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients in any skincare product can occur. Patch testing gives peace of mind that a new product is suitable for your skin. Apply a small amount first to check for any adverse effects, before regular use.
| For wash-off cleansers | For leave-on formulas (moisturisers, serums, sunscreens, masks, toners, exfoliating acids) |
For body lotions (Smooth Body Lotion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm. | 1. Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm. | 1. Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm. |
| 2. Leave the product on for 2 minutes and then rinse off with water. | 2. Allow the area to dry for 5 minutes before dressing or touching. | 2. Allow the area to dry for 5 minutes before dressing or touching. |
| 3. Over the next 24 hours, assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs - e.g. burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching. | 3. Keeping the area dry, over the next 24 hours assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs - e.g. burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching. | 3. Repeat this once a day for 3 days, reapplying over the same area of skin. |
| 4. If no such reaction is observed, use the product as per its directions. | 4. If no such reaction is observed, use the product as per its directions. | 4. Over the 3 days and for 24 hours after the final application, assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs - e.g. burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching. | 5. If no such reaction is observed, use the product as per its directions. |
NOTE: We cannot rely on patch tests alone to prevent all potential reactions, as they do not guarantee that similar results will be observed when the product is applied to other areas of the body, such as the face. It’s therefore important you follow the product’s usage directions and precautions carefully.
Patch testing will not account for underlying conditions and should not be used to diagnose hypersensitivity or allergic contact dermatitis, unless under the supervision of a doctor. If you have any concerns, please contact your doctor or dermatologist for advice.
If you do experience any form of excessive irritation during your patch test, please contact our Customer Care team: hello@medik8.com
FAQs
You can patch test up to 2 products at a time. Place the 2 products on either arm, and make a note of which side you have applied each product to. Therefore, if a reaction does occur, you will know which product is responsible for the reaction.
After conducting a patch test, leave at least 3 days before attempting another on the same area of skin. This helps to avoid confusion of results.
You can patch test our Deluxe Samples the same way as you would patch test a full size product.
Because Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask comes in a sachet, it cannot be left open for an extended period of time. A shorter patch test is therefore required for this product. Rather than waiting for 24 hours after your patch test to use this product, wait 1 hour and observe your skin’s response. 1 hour is long enough to display the first signs of any potential reactions. If no such signs are present, you can use the product as per its directions. <br><br>
<b>NOTE:</b> A shortened exposure time may not be long enough to display all potential allergic reactions.
All of our products are completely safe for use on the skin, having undergone extensive testing and assessment by an independent safety assessor. However, allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients within any skincare product can occur. With increases in the amount of products people use within their daily skincare routines, we always recommend patch testing as best practice before trying a new product.