Hypoallergenic: Common Sense Approaches

Hypoallergenic Definition:

non-allergy producing. A term applied to a preparation in which every possible care has been taken in formulation and production to ensure minimum instance of allergic reactions.
(Blakiston’s Medical Dictionary)

Like its definition, the term hypoallergenic is commonly used in reference to a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction. The term non-allergenic is different in that it’s defined as having no tendency to provoke an allergic reaction. It is not actually possible to assert that any product is truly non-allergenic - somebody somewhere may have a reaction. As an informed person, take care to notice the difference when reading the benefits of various products.

The word hypoallergenic first appeared as far back as the 1950’s and has been used in sales pitches for everything from hand cream to jewelry to watch straps,. When consumers are quizzed about the meaning, they have a pretty good idea of what it’s supposed to be; the product shouldn’t irritate their skin or their allergies.

Recently, hotels have jumped on the hypoallergenic bandwagon by providing rooms that go that extra step towards cleanliness, and therefore hopefully being more hypoallergenic. In fact, while it is a boon for people with allergies, the concept isn’t aimed just at the allergic, but also at guests who may worry about who was there before them. These hotels offer everything from encasements for the mattress and pillows to special air filters and a commitment to natural fabrics and special natural cleaners.

Despite all the reassurances and claims that companies give us about their products in terms of allergy reactivity, nothing is 100% guaranteed to be non-reactive. There are companies like Allergy Buyers Club which test and carry a wide variety of products designed to help minimize pollutants and allergens in the home. During some of their research, they found that bedding can be highly problematic because the fabric of the sheets and pillowcases are next to your skin all night. This finding coincides with one of the reasons Jeremy and Nolana Whisnant founded The White Pebble; the skin is the largest and most absorbent organ in the human body, and care should be exercised when deciding what to put up against it. This concern is particularly relevant for young children and infants. Studies have shown that the pesticides and herbicides used to produce cotton, for example, contain carcinogens and allergy-causing agents. That’s why The White Pebble only sources from companies that work with organic fabrics - healthier living starts with what’s next to your skin.

Companies like The White Pebble provide products that are made with organic and sustainable fabrics, dyed with low-impact or natural processes, and feel good. The materials contain no harmful chemicals and offer the choice for healthy daily living while creating a healthy and positive impact on our environment. This means The White Pebble’s clothes are hypoallergenic. Due to the ambiguity of the term hypoallergenic, The White Pebble is careful how this important factor is used in its promotions. Hypoallergenic is thought of more as a side benefit of the holistic, naturally fabricated manufacturing process rather than an item in and of itself.

Tags: hypoallergenic, sustainable fabric