We get asked whether our products contain nut oil on a daily basis – not surprising really considering that in the UK, 1 in 100 has an allergy to peanuts and 1 in 200 has an allergy to tree nuts.
While a reaction to a nut applied to the skin may not be as fierce as a reaction to an ingested nut, increased sensitivity may still occur – which is why it’s essential to patch test any new product before incorporating it into your beauty regime.
Botanically, a nut is defined as:
‘a fruit consisting of a hard or tough shell around an edible kernel’.
However, not all nuts contain the specific protein that causes a typical “nut allergy” reaction.
According to EU legislation, the specific nuts to look out for are:
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Cashew nuts
- Pecan nuts
- Brazil nuts
- Pistachio nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Queensland nuts
Peanuts are classed as their own category of allergens because (interesting fact coming up!), as they grow underground rather than on trees, they are not technically a nut.
If you suffer with a “nut allergy”, all of these nuts can cause the immune system to go into overdrive, causing anything from redness and swelling to a much more serious anaphylactic shock.
Which Pai products contain nuts?
To be on the safe side, Pai labels any product containing any ingredient derived from nuts (those that are capable of causing an allergic reaction and those that aren’t) with the note ‘Contains nut oil’ just below the Ingredients List.
However, it is only the following products that contain ingredients derived from the nuts specifically related to a typical “nut allergy”:
- Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (contains Sweet Almond Oil)
- Macadamia & Rose BioRejuvenate Cream (contains Macadamia Oil)
- Kukui & Jojona Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator (contains Sweet Almond Oil)
- Fragonia & Seabuckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream (contains Macadamia Oil)
- Bergamot Organic Lip Balm (contains Sweet Almond Oil).
These are best avoided if you have a topical “nut allergy”.
If you’re unsure whether or not you have a nut allergy or have concerns regarding which nuts you’re able to ingest or apply topically, please consult your GP or a medical professional.
