How to Patch Test a New Skincare Product

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A new product can look perfect on paper and still not agree with your skin. A patch test is a simple way to find out on a small spot first, before you use it everywhere. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Where to test

• Inner forearm or the bend of your elbow: easy to see, and the product is less likely to rub or wash off
• Behind the ear, near the jawline: a good spot for products meant for your face, since facial skin can respond differently than your arm
• A quarter-sized area is enough for body products. For face products, a smaller, dime-sized spot works

How to do it

1. Start with clean, dry skin.
2. Apply the same amount and thickness you’d normally use.
3. Leave it on as long as you normally would. For a rinse-off product like a cleanser, leave it on for about five minutes, or as long as the instructions say.
4. Repeat twice a day.
5. Test one new product at a time, so you know which one you’re watching.

How long to keep going

Dermatologists suggest testing for seven to ten days. Some reactions don’t show up right away, so a single try isn’t always enough. If your skin stays calm the whole time, you can start using the product as planned.

What to watch for

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Stinging or burning that doesn’t fade

If your skin reacts

• Gently wash the product off as soon as you can
• Stop using it
• A cool compress can make the area feel more comfortable
• If the reaction is severe, or doesn’t settle, see a board-certified dermatologist

If you react to products often and can’t tell why, a dermatologist can help. They can do medical testing to help find the cause, which a home patch test can’t do.

What a patch test can and can’t tell you

A patch test lowers the chance of a surprise, but it doesn’t remove it. Skin on your face, lips, or around your eyes may still respond differently than the spot you tested. When you move to a new area, start small there too. Moving on to your hands? Our guide to dry, cracked hands covers how to start.

If you’re trying a balm on your face for the first time, our post on using tallow balm on your face walks through how to start.

FAQ

Do I need to patch test a natural product?

Yes. Natural ingredients, including essential oils, can still bother some people. That’s part of why we explain how to pick between jars in unscented or essential oil balm: how to choose.

Can I test more than one product at once?

It’s better not to. If two new products go on at the same time and your skin reacts, you won’t know which one caused it.

Where should I start with Reyic?

A simple place to start is Au Naturel, our unscented jar: just tallow and olive oil, with no essential oils or added fragrance. Or compare every balm in the grass-fed tallow balm collection.

If your skin is easily upset, read our guide for sensitive, easily upset skin before trying something new, and patch test Au Naturel first.