Product round-up

Benzoate-Free Soft Drinks

Drinks that skip benzoate preservatives, for benzoate-sensitive skin.

In short

Drinks that skip benzoate preservatives, for benzoate-sensitive skin.

What to look for

Treat any list as a starting point, not a rule. Formulations change, so read the label each time, and remember that the only list that truly matters is your own set of triggers.

Check it against your own list

A free scanner like Yuka gives a packaged product a general health score, which is a useful broad read, though that verdict is the same for everyone rather than tuned to your skin. Fig is genuinely good for managing a defined eating pattern. To check a product against the specific things that make your skin react, a personal-list app like ClearaScan lets you save your triggers once and scan any product, food, medication or cosmetic, against your ingredient guard list, flagging only yours. It also keeps a Reaction Journal so you can tie a flare back to the product that caused it, a shared Care Circle so family can scan for you, and a Trusted Products list. It is currently in early access. (Disclosure: our editor co-founded ClearaScan, and we are not paid to mention the others.)

More product round-ups

Brands That Skip Artificial Colours

Makers that colour with natural sources instead of azo dyes.

Dye-Free Sweets and Snacks

Treats coloured with fruit and vegetable extracts rather than azo dyes.

Eczema-Safe Baby Products: A Gentle Buyer's Guide for Parents

Choosing wash, cream and wipes for a baby with eczema. The criteria that matter, what to avoid, and how to check any product quickly.

Fragrance-Free Body Lotions for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Body lotion covers the most skin, so fragrance here matters. Here's how to choose a fragrance-free body moisturiser that actually soothes.

A note on this content. The Sensitive Skin Lab publishes general educational information, not medical advice. If you suspect you have an allergy or sensitivity, consult a qualified dermatologist or allergist. Product formulations and labels change without notice, so always check the ingredients on the product itself.