skin irritant

Dermatitis trigger substance

A skin irritant is a substance that causes redness, itching, inflammation, or discomfort when it contacts the skin.

Common skin irritants include harsh detergents, certain plants like poison ivy, industrial chemicals, and some cosmetic ingredients.

The term appears frequently on warning labels and safety data sheets: Wear gloves—this cleaner is a skin irritant.

Related

cosmetics · detergents · dish soap · fragrances · plant sap · fungi · preservatives · bacteria · latex · nickel · sulfates · lanolin · wool sweaters · parasites · skincare products · contact dermatitis · chemical burn · friction

Opposites
effect on skin

skin irritantemollient

Substance that softens skin

skin protectant · moisturizer · barrier cream · healing balm · anti-inflammatory

skin comfort

skin irritantsoothing balm

Healing ointment that calms

calamine

Family

skin, irritate, irritation, irritant

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G