Adverse skin reactions to Aveda hair products and/or moisturizer

Anonymous

Has anyone else had adverse skin reactions to Aveda shampoos, conditioners or styling products? Perhaps it's a coincidence, but my scalp started acting up after I switched entirely to using Aveda hair products and face lotion. I immediately stopped using them when I started to get painful, itchy red bumps along my hairline and down my neck ... even one in my eyebrow! I switched to "free and pure" shampoo and conditioner for people sensitive to normal shampoos/conditioners and use antibacterial Cetaphil soap - all which have helped, but have not eliminated, the problem. I'm going to a dermatologist next week, but I'm curious about the possible Aveda connection.

11 years ago

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from stgermain

lynne

Veteran

I haven't had any trouble with Aveda hair products, but I did have a bad reaction to their body lotion.

11 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

It's quite likely that you could be sensitive to something in the Aveda products. I've used the line for quite a number of years and never had any issues, but I've had problems with other lines of "natural" or "organic" products. I think it probably has to do with a sensitivity to "natural" fragrances that are often part of the formulations. Lavender and various citrus oils are usually the culprits for me.

11 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

No, I haven't - but I think there's an ingredient in one or more of the products that you're reacting to. One thing you could do is read the ingredient label on your old products and compare them to the new products and see if you can figure out what's new/different in the new shampoo/conditioner/styling products.

Alternatively - you might want to read Paula Begoun's advice on what ingredients to avoid if you have potential rosacea and/or sensitive (her idea of sensitive also includes any skin allergies) skin:

http://www.paulaschoice.com/ex.....acea#Worse

http://www.paulaschoice.com/ex.....in-care#Is

Sometimes natural ingredients aren't always the best thing for our skin - something like peppermint, for example - is listed on Paula's "avoid" list for anyone dealing with possible/potential rosacea.

I'm not suggesting that this is rosacea or anything of the kind, but rather - that there are skincare ingredients that are known irritants, and imo - I'd be inclined to avoid these just to be on the safe side, until you can figure out what's going on re: the Aveda haircare products.

Good luck at the derm's office, and here's hoping your skin irritation clears right up ASAP.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I have not personally had it, but I have a lot of plant allergies. My doctor specifically named them as a brand to avoid. While they are all natural, some of the things I am allergic to show up in their product.

Do you suffer from allergies to trees, for example?

Also, how long have you been away from the Aveda products? It can take up to a month for your body to flush out what is causing the reaction. Based on your description, it sounds like it was the Aveda product.

Were there any other new products you started using? Fabric softner tends to be the culprit a lot.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Thank you for your wisdom! I stopped using Aveda around the beginning of December. Perhaps the Aveda products set off my skin initially, but since new bumps appear and disappear every few days, I suspect whatever it is blossomed into an infection of some kind. I really hope the derm has answers.

To my knowledge, I'm not allergic to anything other than cats, but who knows? I'm turning 37 in May and perhaps this is my body's inauguration into middle age.

Our dryer sheets haven't changed, but I've stopped using them, too, more recently. Just in case!

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Yes I had itching after using their shampoo. It is funny that so called "natural" products do tend to irritate my skin more than anything else. Crystal salts deodorant gave me a rash that took three weeks to calm down.

11 years ago

Krista

Veteran

I actually had an allergic reaction to Aveda makeup, of all things! I still find it hard to believe that I can wear makeup from any company but not Aveda. I would trust your instincts - if you think it's the product, it probably is!

11 years ago

Diane P

Active Member

I have had similar reactions to Aveda and Purology shampoo...small itchy red bumps all over my scalp... only the shampoo though not the conditioner.

11 years ago

Caitlin

Member

I've also had allergic reactions to the Aveda Color Conserve shampoo and conditioner, leaves my scalp super dry and itchy. Almost feels like its on fire at times,,,, I also get patches of rough dry skin on my scalp, they itch! If I get it on my forehead while washing - it itches all day as well. So much for a high end product... so I turned to L'oreal sulfate free, Ever Pure, color preserve shampoo and conditioner. No problems and my hair is so soft.

Had the same reaction after having an Aveda spiral perm and 2 weeks later my hair colored.... itch, itch, and sore. Stops after 2 weeks, but since I am no longer using their shampoo/conditioner, maybe it will calm down after 1 week.

11 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I've been using their hair products fine for the last couple of years, but had a very nasty reaction to their skin care line Also got a perfume mix for my Bday last month and got near-migraines from it

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh yes. They burn me. All my stylists have nodded when I've mentioned it. One of them told me that Aveda already had to reformulate from their original because of the harshness.

11 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

If you have sensitivities (in terms of hair/scalp/skin), avoid highly fragranced products as many fragrances are known irritants. Aveda products are very highly fragranced. Also "all-natural" (a claim that really has little going for it--after all, asbestos, tobacco, and radon are natural) does not mean non-harmful or non-irritating. (This is so a pet-peeve of mine…)

I agree with velvety chocolate that Paula Begoun has good advice for sensitive skin.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I'm sensitive to anything that has a fragrance, and to bismuth oxychloride--an ingredient found in certain brands of makeup. I suffer from rosacea, too. For these reasons, I stick with what I know won't bother me.
I really like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. You may want to give that a try. Vanicream products are really good, too.

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Yes, I find their hair products irritate my scalp and are overly fragrant. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's not going to cause issues. Look at all the people with seasonal allergies.

11 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I have never had a problem with Aveda. But everyone is different and reacts differently. I have had reactions to things that were suppose to be "hypoallergenic". It is also hard to tell if it was one product or the combination unless you introduce one product at a time.

11 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

Yes: I'm really tired of bf smelling like our hairdresser.

11 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, there's a lot of hype about 'natural', 'organic', etc., but if you're allergic to a particular plant, all bets are off. I love the scent of lavender, but I cannot put anything with lavender oil on my skin or I look like I've been sunburned badly. For me, this wasn't merely Aveda, it was also Avalon Organics, and a few other products. Dr. Bronner's soap is borderline, sometimes it made me itchy, sometimes not, so I finished off the bottle as a nice-smelling sink/countertop cleaner.

I love the scents of certain Aveda products, but I also notice that regardless of how 'color safe' their hair products claim to be, it always strips the red out of my hair, or changes it to a weird pink color.

You can develop new allergies at any age. My mom turned 60 and suddenly she is allergic to eggs, peaches, peanuts and something they are using in cured and brined lunchmeats. I never had a reaction to peanuts until I was 36 (11 years after an allergist told me I was allergic to peanuts).

If you are unable to target a particular ingredient, and you're still having a reaction, I would consider an allergist.

11 years ago

Mspata

Member

I've been a loyal Aveda salon customer for years but have only used their hair products and services mostly. One week ago I got a face peel from an esthetician at an Aveda salon and it was amazing. She gave me a "first 5 day" kit of a non-Aveda product then a "next 5 day" kit from the Aveda Botanical Kinetics line. It included facial cleanser, exfoliator, toner and face lotion. I started using it on Monday and on Tuesday I started to notice a small rash starting to develop on one of my cheeks but was able to be covered by makeup so no biggie. It's now Wednesday and both my cheeks, forehead, around my eyes and just below my ears have tiny red/scaley bumps that itch like crazy! I even started to suspect the products on Tuesday night so I only used the facial cleanser and the original non-Aveda cream I was given. Needless to say we can pretty much conclude that I am allergic to the Aveda skin line. It's so funny too because I've used their hand lotion and even put it on my face in a pinch or while traveling with no reaction. Also I don't have sensitive skin and can pretty much use any over-the-counter cosmetic there is. To combat the rash and itch I've taken a Claritin and put 1% hydrocortisone cream on but that was only 10 minutes ago so I'm still an itchy freak I'll report back if the results are quick and favorable.

10 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/hea.....ies-from-c

Methylisothiazolinone has been in at least some Aveda products.

10 years ago

glamourpuss

Active Member

I've had exactly the same reaction to an Aveda hair paste (this was almost 15 years ago though), but I am suspicious of anything "all-natural." Like another respondent mentioned, lots of natural substances are harmful and toxic, and the claim of "all-natural" as a guarantee of safety is virtually meaningless.

Benadryl will help with the itching and can lessen the severity of the reaction but it took several days for my symptoms to subside.

Sorry this happened to you. I remember how miserable that itching was, even to this day,

10 years ago

Kristi Dunphy

Member

One week ago today I went to the Aveda Spa in my area and part of the package I used was a wash and blow out. Well ever since my scalp has been so irritated. Broken out in scabs and so dry it looks like I have severe dandruff. It feels like it stripped all the natural oils from my scalp and hair and I am not at all impressed. I've let my hair go for the week hoping that my oils will build back up again and then I'll treat with Lush's Roots hair treatment and pray for the best.

9 years ago

SarahG

Member

I recently started having skin problems, notably the red, itchy scaley bumps that all of a sudden appeared on my knuckles, my forehead, my neck, my back and the sides of my legs. I also developed a huge lymph node under my arm pit, wherein I've had a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy done. Yesterday I had another biopsy done on my knuckles where the red bumps are very active. I can't believe I googled "adverse reaction to Aveda products," and I'm looking at all these incidents of allergic reaction with the same symptoms. Needless to say, a couple of months ago, I switched over to the Aveda hair and skincare lines because my daughter graduated from Aveda school. I'm shocked to learn that all these problems I've developed may have originated from my shampoo and facial products. I'm waiting on the results of my biopsies, but I will be more than TICKED OFF if these products are actually causing this much harm to myself and the readers who have posted similar experiences. How on earth can Aveda continue to sell their products knowing that something is causing this much harm to people? I'll post back on here when I find out the results.

9 years ago

Kmtarrant

Member

I am so thankful to have found others with similar issues. I have racked my brain trying to figure out what caused the terribly painfil blisters around my hairline and ears. I have been using aveda for over a year with no problems but in late April I noticed what I thought was dandruff accompanied by small blisters. I switched temporarily to a dandruff shampoo but it did not help and it burned my blistered areas terribly. I truly didn't think it could be the aveda, but I discontinued use. I stopped drying my hair with a dryer because I thought maybe my dryer was too hot. I thought maybe it was stress from finals and applying to nursing school. Or maybe because I turned 40 this year it was just a change in my skin. I switched to a suave product (I know not the best but I wasn't hurting or itching) and things were better until 2 days ago I figured I'd use up the little bit of Aveda conditioner I had left and low and behold, I have blisters and itching again! I just happened upon this site and now I'm confident it's the aveda.

9 years ago

reaganholston

Member

I tried my friend's Aveda tinted moisturizer and loved it. I went to three different salons to get it because the first two were out of stock (even though I called the second store and they said they had my color in the store). Once I got to the third store and they told me the price, I was shocked at how much I was going to spend but I already went to three stores looking for it so I wasn't about to stop there. I used it this weekend and now I have tiny bumps all over my face!! I am so mortified. The skin on my face itches and burns. Never ever using Aveda again.

9 years ago

Sue

Member

Okay Here it goes: THE ANSWER. I'm actually a physician and did experience severe scalp itch then redness myself and yes - bumps or pustules on the scalp - after getting Aveda color. Tried different Aveda salons and different colorists ..but clearly the same reaction happened each time, down to starting 4-6 hours after the treatment. Now, the stylists told me that Aveda is known for causing more allergies because of the natural oils - the types of things that allergists find on allergy testing - ie natural substances. NOTE: A golden rule in medicine is that you can develop an allergy at ANY time to anything - like even after being on a medication for a few years and tolerating it the whole time until the reaction happened! When I contacted Aveda customer service for myself and had to leave a message I did say that I am a doctor. They called back and said: "see a doctor". Obviously, their script addresses how to successfully minimize getting sued but obviously this just didn't cut it for me. Given the increased risk for allergic reactions with Aveda products, Aveda must have some sort of data base. In my own case, I can use their shampoo and other hair products but the color process is what leads to unbelievable itch and lasting changes in the scalp. Aveda should have a large data base and be able to pinpoint probable ingredients and the types of reactions. Now, those of you talking about "behind the ears" and "in the hairline" should know that that is EXACTLY where psoriasis likes to go. Some people say eczema but it's often another word for dandruff. Psoriasis leads to bad dandruff, as well as itch in the ears and rashes/itch BEHIND the ears...and even on the bottoms of the feet (and nowhere else!). As a specialist, I frequently diagnose psoriasis in patients coming to me with neck or back pains and/or stiffness. They can have bad dry skin/scale or fungal like toenails - but it's NOT due to fungus - they are shocked to learn the joint stuff is actually related to something called "psoriasis" - The itch and scaley skin along with their joint symptoms are due to psoriasis so I have to prescribe medicines and talk a holistic approach in other stuff (like diet stuff). Back to Aveda allergic reactions: it's like the reaction is actually causing a psoriasis type of outbreak, not a simple contact dermatitis. It irritates me (sorry about the pun) that they do not have an information kit with a data base to share - even for us doctors, let alone patients. Also, they should be clear on where and why and how to do the patch test - which one of the salons put on my forearm while I was getting the treatment. It was totally NEGATIVE YET I got a rip-roaring reaction in the scalp starting about 6 hours after the coloring treatment. I'm in a bind like anyone else would be as I don't know which ingredient it was. I have an actual paper box that the color tube came in and there are not only a lot of natural oils contained but there is a "black box warning" on the tube's box listing four ingredients "contained" but only one is in the ingredient list. Where are the others hidden????? THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS, FIRST, THERE IS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THESE INGREDIENTS HAVE A WARNING (for medications, black box warnings means serious side-effects) and SECONDLY, THERE IS A DISCONNECT WITH THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS MEANING SOME COULD BE A FORM OF THE BAD STUFF LISTED BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHICH ONES...So, I can't go to another salon and look at their ingredients and pick out the possibly similar ingredients to the Aveda suspects which I think I should be able to do. So, my feeling at this point is Aveda's response was not socially responsible and they should be obliged to explain the unusual list of four either categories or substances listed and AS WITH ANY INFORMED CONSENT SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE CLIENT...BECAUSE NONE OF US - INCLUDING YOU - HAS EVER BEEN INFORMED ABOUT THESE HIGHLIGHTED INGREDIENTS AND DON'T KNOW WE MAY BE EXPOSED TO SOMETHING THAT IS BAD. This could all boil down to sloppy packaging but the consumer doesn't see it; only the salon staff do. I bet you the staff are not trained as I am in biochemistry so ignore the stuff. Meanwhile, I AM trained in biochemistry and medicine and autoimmune disorders and YET I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE STUFF MEANS WHEN I READ IT TO SOLVE THE RIDDLE OF THE INTENSE SCALP REACTIONS WHICH, FROM A MEDICAL STANDPOINT, ARE INDEED CAUSED BY AVEDA COLOR. Whether or not you have developed an autoimmune condition due to this exposure depends cannot be addressed by this information. I also think any basic doc will simply say that it's an allergy so use something else. But I am a specialist who really cares about the public and would really like to see Aveda take a leadership role in this kind of situation, especially when it is taking in the accolades for supporting clean water. Let's be consistent and CARE about the health of the Aveda client. If there are some of you who are now intrigued by any of the above then I recommend finding a dermatologist or a rheumatologist (the latter is the aches and pains and "don't know what I have" department) but remember all some docs are doing these days are simply spending too few minutes with each patient so it has to be someone who is more academic and willing to look at details. I hope I have been able to help some of you. I love it when my patients have the "Ah-hah!" moment and see the light that perhaps no other doc took the time to explain.

7 years ago

jojoe

Member

I most definitely have had problems with the Aveda COLOR CONSERVE Shampoo.

I had been a dedicated Aveda fan for a long time but the last 4-5 years I have noticed an almost blister-type scalp that itches.

I've heard/read of many others experiencing the same thing.

Perhaps the product line got modified when EsteeLauder took over. Regardless, it sure has raised havoc with my scalp as well! I am now trying the drugstore Free & Clear Shampoo which is no frills, no fragrance.

To me, given this experience, Aveda may not be all that it's hyped up to be. I've also noticed some itchiness with Aveda REPLENISHING BODY MOISTURIZER. The CeraVe drugstore brand is much more effective.

I presume it will be a while for this to get cleared up and I might have to see a dermatologist. I've not experienced allergy issues in the past to fragrances nor fabric softeners etc. but something in this shampoo is definitely causing irritation reaction.

4 years ago

stgermain

Member

I have used Aveda Phomollient off and on for the last 15 years. During the last two years, the only time I used it was when I traveled bc I had a small travel size. After every trip, I got horrible facial angio edema. I've been tested for lupus, among other things, and have changed so much of my products and diet and nothing seems to work. I'm wondering if anyone has had an allergic reaction like this to the phomollient.

1 year ago

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