---

Ingredients are listed by descending concentration (up to 1%, from <= 1% unsorted). Ingredient names are indicated in their internationally uniform INCI designations, as listed on product packaging.

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is a term used for the indication of ingredients on cosmetic product packaging. With the help of this uniform terminology, it is possible to identify product ingredients within all member states of the European Union.   This standardised labelling allows consumers to identify ingredients that they may not tolerate or to which they may experience an allergic reaction.

---

Additional information on the functioning of particular ingredients is also available i.e. in various publications by the German Cosmetic & Toiletry Association, Karlstraße 21, 60329 Frankfurt/Main, Internet: www.ikw.org.

Each ingredient has been assigned a concentration range in accordance with FDA regulation (> 50%, 25 - 50%, 10 - 25%, 5 - 10%, 1 - 5%, <= 1 %), which indicates the concentration of this ingredient in the respective product.

---

In addition to the list of ingredients, you will find the number of incompatible reactions to each individual cosmetic product that have been reported (and confirmed by a medical specialist) to have occurred in connection with the use of the cosmetic product in question (as per one million sold items; classified under allergic reaction, skin irritation,  or other).

Although the occurrence of such incompatible reactions can never be completely ruled out in individual cases, cosmetic products are generally safe when used as directed.

Incompatible reactions to cosmetic products are therefore extremely rare when compared to the number of sold products.

Based on studies by the IKW (German Cosmetic & Toiletry Association), an average of 1.1 intolerabilities were recorded per one million sold items between 1976 and 2003. Products by the House of Schaeben average 0.0365 intolerabilities per one million sold packages, meaning that there are 96.70 % fewer reports of intolerability than the average as determined by the IKW (which is also a very low average value).

---

Examples of intolerability include irritation or allergic reaction.

Irritation
Irritation is a temporary skin reaction that occurs only on parts of the skin that have come into direct contact with the irritant. The level of sensitivity or irritation can vary dramatically from person to person.  The recommended application of cosmetic products could provoke moderate, temporary occurrences of skin irritation in some individuals with very sensitive skin.

Allergic reaction
The large majority of allergic reactions that occur amongst the general population are reactions to natural substances such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, or certain foods. Allergic reactions may also occur with many widespread consumer articles such as jewellery containing nickel or with certain ingredients contained in cosmetic products. In theory, any component of any given formulation could trigger an allergic reaction. This is regardless of whether or not the allergen (= the agent triggering the allergy) was produced synthetically or if it is of natural origin. 

In many cases, individuals already suffer from a latent allergy that is revealed upon contact with a cosmetic product. In such a case, the ingredient triggering the allergy must be determined by a dermatologist with a skin test and avoided in the future. This prevents the re-occurrence of an allergic reaction to the substance. To select cosmetic products that are appropriate for you, compare the list of ingredients (in accordance with INCI) for each product with the ingredients specified in your allergy records.

---

We would be happy to help you with any further questions regarding a presumed intolerable reaction to one of our cosmetic products.  

For further information on allergies, please refer to the leaflets "Allergie" (allergy) and "Klarheit für ungetrübtes Duftvergüngen” on the IKW homepage of the (www.ikw.org, under “Broschüren”).