What is RIPT?
The Repeat Insult Patch Test (RIPT) also known as Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT), is the industry standard for determining allergy safety in skincare products. RIPT testing is a sensitization test used by personal care brands to assess the likelihood of allergic reactions, irritation, and sensitization to common chemicals and ingredients in topical products – such as cosmetics, skincare products, and cleaning agents.
The RIPT testing involves applying small amounts of the substances being tested onto the skin, usually on the back or forearm, and observing the reaction over a period of 48 hours.
If a person has a positive reaction to a substance, they will usually experience itching, redness, swelling, and/or blistering at the site of application. In some cases, a positive reaction may also lead to systemic symptoms such as hives or difficulty breathing.
Why Does It Matter?
As new shave and skincare products pop up with innovative formulas, complex ingredients are being introduced and the risk of exposure to potential irritants increases. Even the classic shave foams you’ve seen your whole life are littered with harmful ingredients. Brands claiming to have hypoallergenic shave cream, to be dermatologist approved, or have non-irritating products must demonstrate that their ingredients are safe for use on the skin through extensive RIPT testing.
Savvy consumers should absolutely look for assurances from any personal care or skincare brand that their products are actually clean. While most companies will provide evidence of passing RIPT testing, it is also a good habit for you, the consumer, to check the ingredients on the bottle or to thoroughly read the labels to make sure that personal care and skincare companies provide products that are indeed clean, and have been tested for hypoallergenic properties in shave creams and other personal care products.
Here are the most common “bad actors” we see in big brands that cause skin irritation:
- Fragrance/parfum
- Alcohol
- Menthol
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as SLS
- Butane/isobutane (i.e. aerosols)
How Timothy’s Skincare Can Help
If you have sensitive skin, finding the right skincare products can be a challenge. You might have tried a few different brands, only to find that they cause irritation or make your skin look and feel worse. Timothy's Skincare is different. Timothy’s shave products are always free from harmful ingredients and actually enhance your shave. We specialize in gentle, natural products that are perfect for people with sensitive skin, such as our hypoallergenic shave cream.
We are RIPT tested and approved. Moral of the story: if you suffer from bumps, itching, burning, or other types of irritation after shaving, it’s time to switch to Timothy’s!We only use safe, gentle ingredients that will leave your skin feeling smooth and irritation free. Our products are designed to give you the best possible results without causing any discomfort. Only the good stuff, we promise.
Contact us today to learn more about RIPT testing and how we can help you get the best possible results from your shave products. We look forward to hearing from you!
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