Introduction
You’ve just received your new Selah Soaps product and you’re excited to try it. We get it—but before you lather up, there’s one important step: the patch test. Even with all-natural products, patch testing is smart skincare. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Patch Testing?
A patch test is a simple way to check how your skin will react to a new product before you use it all over your body or face. It involves applying a small amount of product to a discreet area and monitoring for any reaction.
Why Patch Test?
Even Natural Ingredients Can Cause Reactions
“Natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe for everyone.” People can be allergic to natural ingredients just like synthetic ones. For example: nut allergies (sweet almond oil), bee product sensitivities (honey), essential oil reactions, or sensitivities to specific botanicals.
It’s About YOUR Skin
Everyone’s skin is unique. What works beautifully for one person might irritate another. Patch testing helps you identify if a product is right for YOUR skin specifically.
Prevention is Easier Than Treatment
Dealing with a full-face or full-body reaction is much harder than discovering sensitivity on a small test patch.
When to Patch Test
Always patch test if you have sensitive skin, a history of allergies or reactions, are trying a new brand for the first time, the product contains ingredients you haven’t used before, you have conditions like eczema or rosacea, or you’re pregnant or nursing.
How to Patch Test: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Test Spot
Good locations: Inner forearm (most common and easy to monitor) | Behind the ear (good for products you’ll use on face/neck) | Inner elbow. Choose a spot that is easy to see and monitor and won’t be covered by clothing that might rub.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Wash the test spot with mild soap and water. Pat dry completely. Don’t apply any other products to that area.
Step 3: Apply the Product
Apply a small amount (about the size of a dime). For bar soap: create a small lather with water first. For body butter: use as you normally would.
Step 4: Cover and Wait
For leave-on products (body butter): leave uncovered, let absorb. For rinse-off products (soap): rinse after 30–60 seconds as you normally would. Wait 24–48 hours. Don’t apply anything else to that area during the test period.
Step 5: Monitor
Check the area several times throughout the 48 hours. Look for: redness, itching, burning or stinging, swelling, rash or hives, blisters or welts, dry or flaky skin.
Step 6: Evaluate Results
PASS (Safe to Use): No reaction after 48 hours. Skin looks and feels normal. Go ahead and use the product as intended!
FAIL (Don’t Use): Any of the reactions listed above. Even mild irritation should be taken seriously. Wash the area immediately with mild soap and don’t use the product.
What If You Have a Reaction?
Immediate Steps: Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry gently. Apply a cool compress if there’s irritation. Don’t apply any other products.
If the reaction is severe (difficulty breathing, extensive swelling, severe pain): seek medical attention immediately.
Contact us at selahsoaps22@gmail.com with which product you tested, a description of your reaction, and photos if possible.
The Bottom Line
Patch testing takes just a few minutes and can save you days or weeks of discomfort. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in protecting your skin. We want you to love our products—and patch testing helps ensure you’ll have a safe, positive experience.
Ready to patch test?
Have questions?
