About Me and This Site

Hi, I am Gemma and thank you for checking out my site!!

I have been suffering with Eczema for several years and finally in August 2014, I underwent patch testing and discovered I have allergies to Nickel, PPD, Diazolidinyl/imidazolidinyl urea and diaminodiphenylmethane.

On return from the hospital, I went through my make-up stash to discover that the colour codes which the dermatologist said to avoid (CI 77489, CI77491, CI77492 and CI77499) were in pretty much all of my make-up items labelled as iron oxides and there isn’t much out there in terms of alternatives.

I have now decided to update this blog as and when I find items excluding iron oxides to try and help other sufferers to find alternative products!

81 thoughts on “About Me and This Site”

  2. I think I am going crazy trying to fine nickel free makeup. I have been in touch with AmorePacific and they claim there is no nickel in their foundation.

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    • I have had a look and I cannot find many of their products however I have found their tinted moisturiser on sephora’s website and it does contain Iron oxides

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  3. Hello, thank you for your site. I have a nickel allergy too, but can still wear make-up with iron oxides. I’m terrified to get allergic to my make-up… So the make-up you have been collecting without iron oxides, you can use without any problems? Have you been also allergic to nickel in belts, watches for instance? I am.

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    • Hi,

      Yes I can use the make-up that I list here with no problems but obviously each person is different so what works for me might not for others, I just know from experience how difficult it is to find products without the iron oxides in so I can hopefully save others the job and then they can see if it works for them 🙂

      I never had a major flare-up directly caused by the make-up I used previously that I realised anyway however when I had my patch test and tested positive for nickel (which made sense when confirmed as certain jewellery, belts etc would give me problems), the dermatologist said to avoid the iron oxide pigments as they have been known to release nickel so better to be safe than sorry.

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    • Hi Sarah,

      I have just uploaded a new blog post which does include a foundation.

      Unfortunately I do not know anything about those allergies as they are not ones I suffer from.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Gemma

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  5. Hi Gemma, I just got patch tested (last week) and discovered I have a nickel allergy which does mean that, like you, I should avoid make up containing iron oxides. My research led me to your blog and I just wanted to say what a huge help is it has been!

    I too can only find one manufacturer of iron oxide free foundation (100% Pure) so if you (or if there’s anyone out there) who has discovered another brand, please share it as 100% Pure have very few shades only!

    I look forward to more product updates, thank you so much for creating this blog!

    Joanna x

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    • Hi Joanna,

      Thanks for getting in touch, it is nice to see that my posts are helping people.

      I was having a nightmare trying to find products so thought I would make life easier for others, and getting messages like yours makes it all worthwhile!

      Gemma

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  6. Hi, found I have nickle allergy. Your website looks great! One makeup lover to another. I’ve been checking ingredients for names of nickle in products but i cant find it. Can you tell the undercover ingredient namea for nickle in make up?

    I use stila black all day retractable pencil eyeliner and sephora brand eyeshadow, lucky penny color. I cant find nickle in these that I can tell. Help?!?

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    • Hi,

      The ingredients to avoid are any that begin with CI774, they are called iron oxides but my dermatologist tells me that they can sometimes release nickel, I think it is something to do with the way they are mined

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    • You need to look for iron oxide CI numbers CI77489,77491,77492 and 77499

      I’ve found Natorigin makeup good, it has iron oxide but the woman I spoke to promised it was as pure and nickel free as possible and I’ve had no problems with it. Also 100% Pure brand but you have to send to America for it! Good luck.

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    • I’m fighting this as well, be careful of those that say nickel free.. Titanium dioxide, blue salt , blue lake, iron oxides,atomic #7 and 28,Miquelon, número,oligopoly-element,trace element, ni, nicianamide,nickel sulfate hexahydrate and sodium laurel sulfate. These are the ones that I know so far. I had to change my toothpaste. The make up I bought said nickel free but on further research it contained 2 of the above.

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      • I had reactions to bismuth oxychloride first in my makeup. Avoided those for several years and now it seems iron oxides are doing the same thing; rash around my eyes,nose and cheeks.

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  8. Hello, I just wanted to say how glad I am that I have found this brilliant blog. It has been a totally saviour. I have been allergic to nickel for years but until recently it has just been in clothing (belts etc) and jewellery however after some major facial flare ups I’ve been told it’s now got more serious and I need to avoid in any skincare and make up too.

    Finding it a bit upsetting as I adore my beauty products so am doing a total overhaul – it ain’t cheap is it?! And frustrating America seems to have more totally iron oxide free brands than the UK.

    But this blog has given me some great options – really grateful you’ve taken the time to share your advice and products x

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    • Hi Kirsty, I am glad to of helped! I agree it is expensive trying to replace everything which is why I haven’t posted anything new in quite a while!

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  9. Hi! So happy I found your blog! I did a patch test this year and I had a really strong reaction to PPD, I also always react to self tanners ( I think it is AHA but I’m not sure). So right now I’m still in the process of cleaning out my makeup collection and it sucks.. I can’t seem to find what it is in my makeup that I react to. But my eyes get red mostly when I use deep brown, black and purple eyeshadows. Would looove to find out what chemical it is, because I love the darker shades. Will definitely follow this blog!
    Tonje x

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  10. Hi, I have recently discovered I have a nickel allergy along with fragrance and a few preservatives but have also been advised to avoid iron oxides too and it’s honestly making my life a misery!! I genuinely didn’t think for a second that I would have to avoid the iron oxides but turns out my skin feels differently!! I have tried using the 100% pure but although it’s artificial fragrance free it still has oils in it etc I’m at my wits end!! Would be so grateful if anybody has recommendations! Thanks! x

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    • Try butterflies eyecare. They have nickel, cobalt and latex free make up and are based in the Uk. I have a nickel allergy and have found them very good and its the only brand i can use.

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  13. Hi Gemma – have you ever tried any Arbonne products? Their products are plant based and they do a whole makeup range which is winning beauty awards – so actually gives results too! I have checked and nickel nor any other iron oxides are present in their ingredients policy – link is here: https://www.arbonne.com/discoveruk/promise/ingredients.shtml

    I found your blog because someone had asked me to check if it was present in Arbonne’s makeup products 🙂

    If you’d like any more info – just get in touch – samantha.baker1975@gmail.com.

    Sam Baker
    xx

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    • Hi Sam, The first product I looked at had iron oxides in the full ingredient list so unfortunately they do have them in some of their products.

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      • Hi Gemma thank you so much for your quick response. I am so glad I have found your blog! I purchased some ‘nickel free’ eyeshadows from a company called butterflies, however disappointingly on closer inspection they all contain many ‘CI7’ numbers which is the code for iron oxide pigment / nickel. Needless to say I was not impressed!. I’m going to have a look at 100% pure now, thank you 🙂 – are there any others brands for the eyes that you can recommend please?

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      • I did find some e.l.f cosmetics liquid eyeshadows which i posted on the blog which were nickel free, however since then I know they have reformulated some of their products so worth double checking the ingredients list on the website

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      • Thanks Gemma, I will look into it. I have no idea why I cant reply directly to your comment on my post it doesn’t give me the option so I have to go to another post not linked to mine..strange!? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, I look forward to hearing more.
        All the best x

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      • Hi, I have read your blog with interest. I have just found out I am allergic to eye-shadow containing iron oxide pigment and all the CI numbers you have listed above. (I seem to be okay with all other makeup) can I please ask what brand eyeshadow you use? Alongside what brands are without iron oxide pigment as I am struggling to find them? Your help would be much appreciated. Thank you.Tracy x

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      • Hi Tracy, I have been using a palette by 100% pure that has 3 eyeshadows in it along with a blusher and a highlighter. They have a few different ones with different colours in so can choose one to your tastes

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  17. Ummm have been emailing PURE and they have recommended their Fruit Pigmented Tinted moisturiser but I’m worried as it has 15% titanium dioxide and 10% zinc oxide so not sure what to do? Please Help!

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  18. Hi Gemma,
    So happy to find you and all your knowledge!

    I have just learned of my allergies-ugh-ppd, fragrance, nickel, sunflower and a few others.

    I am having problems with eyeliners and wonder if I need to eliminate the iron oxides??? ( hope not)but wondering if you have found any new ones-the 100 percent pure has sunflower as a preservative. Any of your thoughts will be so appreciated. Thank you for your time!

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    • Hi Josie, I am glad to have helped. Unfortunately no, the 100% pure is the only pencil eyeliner I have found and the only liquid ones are the soap and glory ones so far.

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  19. Hi
    Is there only the 1 foundation you have found? Really desperate to find a replacement.
    Also found to have a nickle allergy and had no idea all my foundations and concealer contain them!

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    • Hi Nikki, yes unfortunately i have only found the one and haven’t come across any others. It seems to be the main ingredient for pigment in them all

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      • Hello, last month i got a professional make up done at Mac Cosmetics (i have a lot of products from there and have been addicted to their products for few years with no problems). On that day i got glued fake eyelashes and full make up, day after i received a huge allergic reaction, ended up in emergency on allergy pills such as Benadryl, steroids and IV. My eyes were swollen like a balloon i couldn’t even open them. Just couple days ago i went under whole allergy test including patch testing and it came out to be positive for nickel. I am almost sure that the allergic reaction came from nickel content found in Mac Cosmetics and i am desperate to change my whole cosmetic line. I switched my foundation to mineral fusion which seems ok but I do not use it over my eyelids, and i am incredibly scared to use it over my eyelids in case i swell up again. On Mineral fusion foundation it says it may contain iron oxide therefore i should probably not use it. Anyone of you recommend good mascara, foundation and eyeliner? I’m in desperate help 😦

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      • Hi, I too have an allergy to nickel and have been told to avoid iron oxides as well unfortunately though I’m also allergic to fragrance which pretty much makes it impossible even with the 100% pure range.
        I’ve been using the Too Faced Better than Sex Exteme false eyelash mascara and as far as I’m aware it’s iron oxide free. Hope this helps

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      • I have just had a look and the too faced one does seem to have iron oxide in the ingredients list but maybe it has very little in it?

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      • I am not sure if i am allergic to iron oxide but from reading and researching invredients online it looks like people who are allergic to nickel also are to iron oxide. Do you happen to know any foundation that does not have these ingredients? 😦

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      • Only foundation I have found are some of the 100% pure ones or there are a few recipes online for making your own but I haven’t attempted that as do not have the time. If you aren’t sure about iron oxides maybe patch test a few testers in store and see how you get on?

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      • Do i need to see someone in order to get patch test for iron oxide such as dermatologist? I was diagnosed with nickel allergy by an allergist who did a patch test on my back but he was not helpful to even explain where nickel is found and how to avoid it. What do you recommend for Mascara? I just ordered one online from 100% pure i hope it will work wonders but i really am desperate in finding foundation. What symptoms do you have when you wear nickel and iron oxide cosmetics?

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      • I was the same as you and tested positive for nickel and was also told to avoid iron oxides, so that is what I have done, it could be that I have no problems but as I only tended to wear make-up on weekends and nights out, I decided it wasn’t worth the risk for me. When I say patch test for the iron oxide, I just mean go in a store that has testers, put a little bit of foundation on the back of your hand or on your arm and then leave it for a few hours to see if anything happens, as it could be that iron oxides aren’t a problem for you. When I have had a reaction to make-up in the past, which eyeliner was usually the biggest culprit, my skin would get really dry, red and itchy.

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      • Oh I see. The reason why i went to get allergy patch test done is because my face absolutely swelled up especially the eyelids and eyes area last month a day after I got makeup done at Mac Cosmetics and glued one day fake eyelashes but i am so worried that I could also be because of the microblading/semi permanent make up i got on my eyebrows 3 months ago but i have a hard time believing microblading caused me to swell up because i was okay during these 3 months after I got it done. It’s reallt ruining my life, i love makeup and i am in desperate need of finding foundation that does not contain nickel and iron oxides to cover my acne 😦 thanks for your help!

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      • It sounds like your reaction is much more severe than what I get. Did you get tested for the eyelash glue too? I have heard of people having quite severe reactions to that too

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      • My eye doctor said it’s most likely the glue from eyelashes. I was tested for formehalyde found in eyelash glue and it came out negative. I wish i knew exactly what caused this allergic reaction which only happened once so far. I didn’t notice my face being red, bumpy, or rash using make up 😦

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      • No, but I have had issues with laundry detergent since I was a kid so only use non-bio but that is unrelated to my nickel allergy. Also unrelated to the nickel, I have to avoid most permanent hair dyes and some shoes

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  20. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found your blog. Recently I looked up what Nickel could be in because I’ve been trying to figure out what’s causing my hands to have this allergic reaction… went to the doctors in the summer finally after waiting a year to mention it to anyone and he said it was an allergic reaction to Nickel. He also said it could get worse as I get older. Well, a lot of things have nickel in them, food, makeup ( bigly sad about this ), everyday jewelry, etc. but oh my god is it a pain to find out all the things. Also now knowing that “iron oxides” are something to avoid too doesn’t make it much easier…
    I just want to say thank you for creating this blog, I’m going to hope that I can make everything as Nickel free as possible around me.

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  21. Have not read every post but I think I can recommend Palladio liquid foundation for this group. I have sensitive skin and I think I’ve nailed down my allergy to titanium dioxide and iron oxide. My reactions have been anything from legions of water blisters on my jawline to eyelid irritation and swelling to simple acne breakouts. I have been using Palladio for several years and have had no adverse reaction. I did use their rice loose powder and had some reaction; I discovered it contains iron oxide too. However, like most of us I work long days and am looking for longer lasting coverage than Palladio offers in their liquid foundation line. I am about to try their brand primer to see if that helps. Stay tuned!

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      • Yes the primer is good, the smashbox primers are really good. Eyes I have a 100% pure highlighter, blush and eyeshadow palette and their black tea mascara. I have also got a Ciate London fierce flicks liquid eyeliner which seems to be better than the soap and glory one.

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  22. Hi Gemma
    Was so excited to find this website.
    I have just had a patch test which shows I have a nickel allergy but it only seems to affect my eyes. I am frantically looking for an iron oxide free pencil eye liner and a green/grey eye shadow – have you found any?
    I was told by my dermatologist that certain foods also contain nickel…….

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    • Hello!
      I have been using 100 Percent Pure since 2015 when I had a patch test done and found I was allergic to nickel, and have found all of the products good for my skin. I used to get severely swollen eyes and raw itchy face and sore skin pretty much all over my body. Since changing all my make up to them I don’t react at all and I am eczema free.
      Foods do contain nickel, but I personally don’t see much difference when I eat foods containing nickel, my main thing was the make up.
      I use the tinted moisturiser, the healthy foundation, and the powder foundation as my base. They have loads of eyeshadows and eyeliners so you should have a look. Only thing is, the make up is quite expensive (probably similar cost to Bobbi Brown etc) and they are US based so minimum order for free delivery is 125 GBP or you have to pay a 25 GBP delivery charge.
      https://uk.100percentpure.com/
      Hope this helps!
      Carla

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      • Thanks Carla – I did contact them but their make up contains Iron Oxides which contain small amounts of nickel 😦

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    • After 3years of eye flare ups I finally got a patch test done. Nickel came up. I wasn’t given any info from my Dermatologist. Found loads online. This blog has really helped as I was looking through my make up. Found all of them have oxides etc in them. At least I know I can’t use them now. Thank you everyone for all your info .

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  23. My doctor said I would have to check my makeup and make sure it was nickel free. He said another woman he diagnosed had researched a number of makeup lines and the only makeup she could find was ALMAY and so that is what I have been using. Also make sure your tweezers don’t have nickel in them.

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  24. While I commend you on the products that you have listed containing no oxides, you have then gone and mentioned products that have oxides in them. Why?

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    • Hi Bec, which product are you referring to? The only thing I can find that mentions having it in is an eyeliner that I got as a free gift which I didn’t do a review on and stated to warn that there are some products by that brand with it in.

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  25. Hi, Gemma! I, too, have a nickel allergy. Is mica related to nickel like titanium dioxide and iron oxide are? Do you know? If not, no worries. Thanks for your blog!

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  26. Are you searching for a makeup line free of those pigments? Quite an entrepreneur… Here in Italy a good compromise is Bionike line sold only in pharmacies. Goes without saying there is not a bunch of eyeshadow shades… But it is quite good.

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    • Sorry not sure about hair dye as that’s a whole different kettle of fish for me as I also have a PPD allergy. When I have my hair done I usually have an ombre or balayage though so none touches my scalp.

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  29. HI Gemma, Many thanks for posting this very useful information. I have an eyelid allergy so I’ve ended up at the hospital after using certain eyeshadows. I saw a dermatologists to find out what I’m allergic to and had a patch test. I told her since the first appointment that I wanted to investigate eyeshadow ingredients so she ordered a baseline British patch test and a cosmetic one. All sounded ok but after all the tests (and paying 550 pounds), I found out that I was never tested for the common eyeshadow ingredients so I am back to zero. She did mention a “questionable nickel allergy” so that might be it. I’ll try 100% pure eyeshadow, nickel free brush and try the nickel spot test. I hope to be able to use eyeshadows again!! I can only stick to a few boring colors.

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      • Just a heads up I did notice mica listed in some of the products you had listed which for me who has a severe nickel allergy I am also allergic to that as well. I did a patch test with 100 pure mascara and it came back as quite allergic but the 100% pure liquid eyeliner was fine.

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