Patch Testing Guide: How to Test New Skincare

If you have sensitive skin, you might have heard it recommended before. But even normal skin can react to a particular ingredient. Patch testing is most often used in medical settings, but for skincare, it can also be done at home. Want to become a patch testing expert? Then read this guide.

Before you buy a full-size skincare or hair product, you want to be absolutely sure it's suitable for your skin. No one wants an allergic reaction or a breakout, so a patch test before applying the product all over your face is never a bad idea. Are you familiar with patch testing? Then you know it involves applying a new product to a small area of ​​your (facial) skin. If you have sensitive skin , you might have heard of it before. But even normal skin types can react to a particular ingredient. Patch testing is most often used in medical settings, but for skincare, it can also be done at home. Want to become a patch testing expert? Then read this guide. You'll be able to advise all your friends!

You've purchased a new potential skincare gem or a product tester. To prevent an allergic or adverse reaction on your skin, you'll want to patch test the product to be sure. See the two steps below.

First, patch test the product on a less visible part of your leg or arm, such as the back of your knee or the inside of your elbow. The skin behind your knee and the inside of your elbow is thin and delicate, making it closest to your facial skin. If your skin reacts poorly in any of these areas, you know you don't want to use the product on your face. If your skin doesn't react within 24 hours, it's time for step 2.

If the skincare product doesn't cause a reaction, such as redness or irritation, then it's time to test your facial skin to see how it reacts! Don't do this by covering your entire face with the product. Instead, choose a small area of ​​your face that can be easily covered, such as the skin behind your ear, a corner of your forehead where your hair falls, or the underside of your jaw. Apply the product to the area you've chosen. No reaction? Then this product is probably completely safe for your skin!

Pretty simple, right? And very useful when introducing your skin to a new ingredient or product with a powerful effect for the first time. For example, a peel or exfoliant with a high acid concentration.

The travel sizes and sample sizes in Olivida 's range are perfect for patch testing. We understand that you want to be sure a product suits you and how it affects your skin, so we sell minis in addition to full-size products. You can find the samples and travel sizes on the product pages. If you have a product you'd like to try, simply select the travel or sample size instead of the full-size version. It's easy. Once you're enthusiastic after your patch test and have tried the product for a week or two, you can determine if it's a good fit for your skin. It's a waste of money if your skin doesn't react well to the product. But the travel sizes are also ideal if you're going away with carry-on luggage or simply don't want to take too much with you! Tip from our team. 😉

View our travel size and sample size products ->

Is your skin reacting unexpectedly after a patch test, are you still unsure after using your mini product, or do you have another question about your skin or skin type? Easily request a free skin consultation on the Olivida website! Our skin therapist, Lisa, will examine your skin and provide tailored advice. If you haven't found the right product, Lisa will help you find products that truly meet your skin's needs and desires. If you're interested, you can even order complete skincare routines through the webshop! You can do this with the handy SkinQuiz. We believe in skincare and believe that everyone should be able to find the right products for their skin as easily as possible. That's why we're happy to go the extra mile. With the SkinQuiz, you can create a complete skincare routine or additional products in just a few minutes. The results are based on your skin type, skin concern, goals, and lifestyle. It's free, so give it a try!