Every time you are incorporating any new advanced skin care products from Medik8, we recommend performing a patch test before start using it routinely . Patch tests are a quick and easy way to assess whether you may have a negative reaction to a new advanced skincare product.
Why do I need a patch test?
Although relatively rare, reactions from allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients in any skincare product can
occur. With increases in the amount of products which people are using within their skincare routines, we feel it is good practice to patch test a product before using it fully, to help identify if you have a particular sensitivity to one or more of the ingredients.
Of course, we cannot rely on patch tests alone so it's important you follow the directions for use and precautions carefully on all products, including ceasing use if you have any irritation. That being said, patch tests are a useful tool to predict if you may have a negative reaction to a new product.
How to perform a patch test?
Cleansers:
Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.
Leave the product on for 2 minutes and then rinse off with water.
Over the next 24 hours assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs. For example; burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching.
If no such reaction is observed, you may use the product normally.
Body Lotions:
Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.
Allow the area to dry for 5 minutes before dressing or touching the area. Keep the area dry.
Repeat this once a day for three days, reapplying over the same area of skin.
Over the three days and for 24 hours after the final application, assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs. For example; burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching.
If no reaction is observed, you may continue to use the product normally.
For masks, moisturisers, sunscreens, serums, toners, direct acids:
Apply a small amount of product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm. Allow the area to dry for 5 minutes before dressing or touching the area. Keep the area dry.
Over the next 24 hours assess whether any form of excessive irritation occurs. For example; burning, excessive redness, blistering or itching.
If no reaction is observed, you may continue to use the product normally.
If you do experience any form of excessive irritation during your patch test please contact us using the below button.
Important to know:
The patch testing procedure tests for initial reactions to products. It does not guarantee that similar results will be observed when the product is applied to other areas of the body (eg. the face), and after continuous use of the product.
The patch test will not account for underlying conditions. It 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.
Please note that some products mentioned may not be available in our clinic or online store.
Patch Testing More than One Product
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 which product. If a reaction does occur, this means you will know which product is responsible for the reaction. After the end of the patch test, leave at least 3 days before attempting another patch test on the same area of skin, to avoid confusion of test results.
Patch Testing a Try Me sachet, or a sachet of Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask?
Sachets are one use and cannot be left open for extended periods of time, and therefore a shorter patch test must be performed. Rather than waiting for 24 hours after a patch test to use a product, for sachets you may only wait 1 hour after your patch test before using your sachet normally, if no irritation occurs. 1 hour is long enough to show first signs of irritation reactions on the skin.
Please note that the shortened exposure time may not be long enough to catch all allergic reactions.
Are Medik8 products safe for the skin?
Medik8 products are, and always have been, completely safe for use on the skin. Before they go onto the market, all of our products are extensively tested on humans, and assessed by an independent safety assessor who confirms their safety on the skin.
However, allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients in any skincare product can occur. With increases in the amount of products which people are using within their skincare routines,
we feel it is good practice to patch test a product before using it fully. Patch testing is simply an additional precaution to ensure you have a great experience with Medik8 products.
