Why Natural Doesn’t Mean Allergy-Free

Switching to natural products can feel like the ultimate step toward a healthier, toxin-free life. But what happens when your skin doesn’t respond as expected? If you’ve experienced a reaction—whether it’s a breakout, redness, or irritation—you’re not alone. At Crunchy & Co., we understand that these experiences can feel frustrating and disheartening. Let’s unpack why this happens, what you can do next, and how to move forward feeling empowered in your choices.

Yes, Reactions Can Happen—Even with Natural Products

It’s a common misconception that “natural” means free from potential allergens or irritants. The truth is, nature is the source of many powerful substances, but it’s also the root cause of many common allergies. Think of pollen, nuts, or poison ivy—these are all entirely natural yet capable of causing significant reactions.

When you try a new product, especially one with plant-based ingredients or essential oils, there’s always a chance your skin may not agree with something in it. This doesn’t mean the product isn’t safe or effective for others, but rather that your unique biology is responding in its own way.

Personally, we have friends who are allergic to beeswax, lime, even chocolate. Does this mean those ingredients are inherently toxic and should receive a scathing, bad review? No! But it does mean, we need to be more aware about our own bodies.

Why Allergies and Reactions Are Unpredictable

Here’s the reality: no one can predict every allergy or reaction, not even the most rigorous product testing. Factors like your skin type, current skincare routine, and even environmental influences can play a role.

At Crunchy & Co., we curate products with the highest standards from amazing brands, but your individual skin chemistry is something only you can truly know.

What You Can Do if You Experience a Reaction

If you’ve had a reaction, the first step is to stop using the product immediately. Then, take a moment to reflect and take action:

• Assess the Symptoms:
• Is it a mild irritation or something more severe? Take note so you can discuss with your doctor later, if needed.
• Make a List of Possible Causes:
• Note any ingredients you suspect might be triggers. Over time, you’ll learn to identify patterns and avoid similar irritants, which will save you a lot of time, money, and grief in the future.
• Consider Other Causes:
• Sometimes it truly is a coincidence that you experienced a reaction at the same time as trying a new product. Consider if there could be other causes:
• Did you recently shave, which made the area more sensitive?
• Are you currently under a lot of stress?
• Did you experience a hormonal breakout?
• Did you mix two products that shouldn't be used together?
• Did you try multiple products at once?
• Did you recently eat something new?
• Have you recently been exposed to something new in your environment?
• Have you changed anything else in your routine?
• Are you getting enough sleep or are your children experiencing a sleep regression? 
• Did you overuse or misuse the product?
• Do you already have other underlying conditions like eczema, rosacea, hormonal acne, or psoriasis?
• Are you currently experiencing any trauma?
• Consult a Professional:
• For severe or persistent reactions, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist or allergist to get tailored advice and perform testing.
• This is especially important so you can find the root cause and know what to buy in the future.
• Patch Test Moving Forward:
• Before trying new products, always test a small amount on your inner wrist or behind your ear to see how your skin reacts.
• Introduce a new product one at a time. This helps isolate possibilities if you do experience a reaction. 

New Allergies Can Show Up Later in Life

Allergies aren’t always a lifelong condition—they can develop unexpectedly at any age, even to products or ingredients you’ve used for years without issue. This phenomenon, known as adult-onset allergies, occurs when the immune system begins to recognize a previously harmless substance as a threat. For example, I used Neosporin for minor cuts and scrapes as a kid without any problems, but one day, I developed redness, swelling, and irritation after using it at age 36! It turned out I’d suddenly become allergic to one of its active ingredients (primary reason why I discovered Abrasia Gel!).

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, nearly 10% of U.S. adults report developing allergies after age 18. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, factors like repeated exposure, hormonal changes, or environmental triggers may play a role in tipping the immune system’s balance. Understanding this can help us approach new sensitivities with curiosity rather than frustration.

Empowering Yourself in Your Toxin-Free Journey

Every reaction is an opportunity to learn more about what works for you. At Crunchy & Co., we don’t just sell products—we aim to educate and empower our customers to make informed, confident decisions. Your journey is personal, and we’re honored to be a part of it.

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Natural Products

Experiencing a reaction doesn’t mean natural products aren’t right for you—it simply means that one particular ingredient or formula wasn’t a good fit. With hundreds of toxin-free products across categories, from skincare to kitchenware, we’re confident you’ll find something that suits your needs without having to resort to toxic counterparts.

We’re always happy to help guide you toward a better match. Plus, our dedicated community on Facebook is a great place to connect with others on similar journeys, share experiences, and get support.

Final Thoughts

Your wellness journey is a process, and reactions, while frustrating, are part of finding what truly works for you. We’re here to support you every step of the way with education, encouragement, and toxin-free options tailored to your needs.

Don't become discouraged if a product doesn't sit well with you. Take it as an opportunity to discover what your own personal triggers are.

A pro tip—If you have a toxic product that you absolutely love and swear by, take a closer look at the ingredient label. What are the active ingredients that make it effective? Many toxic products proudly highlight their natural, skin-loving ingredients that promise to "make your skin glow," only to sneak in petrochemicals, undisclosed fragrances, and toxic fillers that ruins the formulation. However, analyzing what works in that product can be a game-changer. By identifying the effective ingredients, you’ll know what to look for when seeking a natural, toxin-free alternative that delivers the same results!