PATCH TESTING A FACE CREAM

Written by: Shoshana Eisner

Time to read 3 min

Hi, I’m Shoshana—pharmacist, CEO of QED Skincare, and self-confessed skincare control freak. And if you’ve ever slapped a new face cream on in excitement only to wake up with your skin throwing a tantrum, this one’s for you.

Patch testing might not be glamorous, but it is one of the smartest things you can do for your face (short of wearing sunscreen and minding your own business).

Let’s chat about how to do it properly—because surprises are great at birthday parties, but not on your cheekbones.

Want to find out how to patch test bodycare products? Click here.

Contents

How to Patch Test a Face Cream Best products for Irritated Skin Patch testing Body Products Read More

How to Patch Test a Face Cream

We’ve all been there—excited to try a new cream, only to wake up with red, itchy skin that seems personally offended by your choices. Enter: the humble patch test. It’s the skincare version of looking both ways before crossing the road. Not glamorous, but very smart.

Here’s how to patch test a face cream without triggering a breakout or a panic spiral:

Choose your test area

The best spots? Just in front of the ear, along the jawline, or under the chin—these areas are facial skin, but discreet enough in case things get grumpy.

Never test on irritated skin

Irritated skin is irritable. It will react to almost anything. Wait until the area recovers before you test a new product. (think of water running over a papercut, or a hot shower on sunburnt skin. These are examples of when your skin is irritated and irritable)

Use a teeny, tiny amount

We’re talking a grain-of-rice size. Dab it on your chosen spot once a day (evening is best) for 2–3 days. Don’t apply anything else over it.

Monitor for drama

You’re looking for signs like redness, itching, bumpiness, stinging, or dry patches. If the area stays calm and uneventful—congratulations! Your skin and this cream might just be new besties.

If there’s a reaction...

Don’t panic. Wash it off with water and a gentle cleanser, then take a break from actives or new products until your skin resets. If you're not sure what caused the issue, check the ingredients list—sometimes it’s just one little troublemaker.

Sensitive skin? Extend the test

If your skin’s sensitive, reactive, or currently flaring up, go slow. Test over 5–7 days, and consider applying it to a less-reactive area first (like behind the ear) before going near your face.

patch testing body products

So there you have it—a patch test in a nutshell. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from a week of regretting your life choices. Think of it as skincare foreplay: a little teaser to make sure things go smoothly when you commit.

And if your skin does react? That’s not a failure—it’s feedback.

Your skin just has preferences, and luckily, at QED, so do we. Customised, sensitive-skin-loving preferences, to be exact.

– Shoshana Eisner, Pharmacist & Founder of QED Skincare

Shoshana Eisner, BPharm, CEO and Formulator at QED SKincare

The Author: Shoshana Eisner, BPharm

The Brains (+ the Brawn) behind QED Skincare

Shoshana Eisner isn’t your average pharmacist — She’s the mind and heart behind QED Skincare, the luxury brand that’s making sensitive skin feel fabulous. Based in Sydney, Shoshana combined extensive dermatology research and a love for all things plant-based and cruelty-free to create skincare that doesn’t just work—it works wonders. With a collection of award-winning products and a money-back guarantee (because, yes, they’re that good), Shoshana is on a mission to prove that gentle, effective skincare can be downright luxurious. After all, who says sensitive skin has to miss out on the good stuff?

I am a real fan of QED skincare since, with Shosh’s advice, I started using the products for sensitive skin after I developed a skin problem. After solving my skin condition, I started using some of the other products. My favourite is the Body Butter. I have dry skin and this product is so soothing and luscious that I look forward to using it. It’s part of my self care routine.

Hydrating yet lightweight

This product stands out from all the other products I have tried. I love how it absorbs easily without feeling greasy. Perfect under make up.

PATCH TESTING A FACE CREAM

How to Patch Test a Face Cream

Best products for Irritated Skin

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