How to patch test

This page is ONLY a guideline of how to patch test skin care products at home so that you can ensure they will be right for you and your skin. If you have allergy prone or sensitive skin it may be best to be referred to a specialist for an official skin care patch test. 

Apply the product to clean, dry skin.

Wait for 24 to 48 hours before assessing for any adverse reactions. 

It is advisable to repeat the patch test twice a day for 7 - 10 days as a reaction may not occur immediately.

If you experience itching, burning, redness, swelling, or any other adverse reaction, immediately remove the product and rinse your skin with cool water.

If the reaction persists or worsens, seek medical attention.

Avoid patch testing if you have open wounds or broken skin.

Apply the product to a grape-sized patch of skin. A person should apply the product as thickly as they would when using it regularly.

Leave the product on the patch of skin for as long as it would normally be on the skin. If a person is testing a product that they would usually wash off, such as a cleanser, they should keep the patch on for 5 minutes or as long as the instructions advise. 

Patch test each new product you use, even if you've used similar products before. 

Apply a small amount of the product where a person is unlikely to accidentally wash or rub it away. You can do this to the inside of your wrist or arm, forearm or bend of the elbow and wait for 24 to 48 hours. If there is no reaction, you can assume that the product is safe for use on your face. 

Apply a small amount of the product to a specific spot on your face, such as behind your ear or on your jawline. Wait for 24 to 48 hours and observe if any adverse reactions occur. 

Apply the product to several small patches on your face, such as your cheek and forehead, and wait for 24 to 48 hours. This method allows you to see if any areas of your face are more sensitive than others.