If you use Oil Of Olay products, you'd better get accustomed to a new name because the new name is simply "Olay". This is because many consumers are realizing that the 'oil' in Oil of Olay is mineral oil on skin just isn't a fine idea. In fact, it's a terrible idea and mineral oil safety is highly questionable meaning that Oil of Olay & skin aren't good companions.
When you know what mineral oil is it's not hard to see why it's not best buds with your body and mine 'cuz it's made from petroleum. Yep, that same goopy, valuable black stuff that bubbles out of the ground. Your cat might love it – but your organs don't. In fact, mineral oil is nothing but a liquid hydrocarbon that has been refined to look a little less … disturbing. If someone suggested that you should reach into an oil puddle and slap some on your face you'd stare at them in horror and disbelief. But mineral oil really isn't all that different.
Mineral oil has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It will clog your pores and, in the body, it increases your load of toxins.
Q: So why do skin care companies use this garbage?
A: Because it's cheap.
A Closer Look At An Oil Of Olay Moisturizer: Olay Definity Cream
Olay's Definity is marketed as an anti aging moisturizer. Obviously, anyone interested in anti aging wants their skin to be nourished and improved – otherwise, how will we look younger? So let's see what's actually in this produce [according to the Olay website]:
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 3% OCTISALATE, 3% OCTOCRYLENE, 2% AVOBENZONE.
ALSO CONTAINS: WATER, GLYCERIN, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, NIACINAMIDE, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, ISOPROPYL LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, LAURETH-7, CETYL ALCOHOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, METHYLPARABEN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, PEG-4 LAURATE, PEG-4 DILAURATE, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, PEG-4, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLATE, POLYACRYLAMIDE, IRON OXIDES.
Are these ingredients really good for your face? Let's see:
Glycerine: may – or may not – be Ok, depending on whether it's plant or animal glycerine.
Animal glycerine has been implicated as a cancer-agent and it definitely has some negative effects on our organs. It's called a "polyhydric alcohol" which is a technical term for a substance that is extremely drying to the skin, which is ironic in a skin care product.
Titanium Dioxide: is supposedly relatively safe on skin but it isn't safe to inhale. I have to wonder how anything with a hazardous smell can possibly be a wise idea. When it's used in in nanotechnology {Arbonne does this} then it's definitely a hazard.
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate: this is not allowed in personal products in Japan but it considered a 'moderate hazard' in the US.
Question: why do we want ANY hazard in our skin care products?
Benzyl Alcohol: there is strong evidence of this chemical being toxic to the human neurosystem, or nerves. Many people evidence allergies to Benzyl alcohol and there have been definite mutations in human cells from this product.
Laureth-7: is a 'moderate hazard; because it is often contaminated with truly horrifying chemicals like Etheylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane.
Cetyl Alcohol: all alcohol is drying to the skin; it is frequently obtained from killing whales or dolphins and unless we know the source, we cannot assume it is plant-based; there are some concerns about irritation of the skin, eyes or lungs.
PEG-100 Stearate, PEG 4 Laurate, PEG-4 Dilaurate: used to thicken skin care products – yet they're so strong that they're often used in spray-on oven cleaners! PEGs can destroy the natural functioning of your skin which help keep it soft and moist. PEG products are likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen and research has clearly revealed that dioxane easily penetrates the skin.
Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Ethylparaben: parabens are used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic. {From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)}: "WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDNESS, ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS. EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION, REDNESS, AND PAIN." It's estimated that 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products contain parabens and the number is growing astronomically because they're cheap to manufacture. Methyl paraben may degrade releasing methanol, a potentially toxic chemical {see Formaldehyde}. Studies implicate their connection with cancer. They have hormone-disrupting qualities – mimicking estrogen – and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. According to the Journal of Applied Toxicology, they have been implicated in cancers because they increase estrogenic activity in the body. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. They are effective preservatives because they inhibit enzyme activity – but the human body desperately needs enzymes. Research has shown that they may affect the future fertility of male babies. According to Professor John Sumpter of Brunel University, England, an expert on estrogenic chemicals in the environment, the use of these preservatives might just "play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates."
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: is prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; it is linked to cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, irritation of the skin, eyes or lungs; organ system toxicity; endocrine disruption; neurotoxicity ranging from subtle developmental delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases and there is limited evidence of gastrointestinal or liver toxicity.
Ammonium Polyacrylate: this is considered of low risk – IF there is a low amount of absorption. What does "low" mean?
Keep in mind that these chemicals don't just sit on the surface of your skin. They interact with your skin cells and a certain percentage is absorbed into the body.
Further, the skin is the largest excretory organ of the body and if it is coated with chemicals, it cannot do its job.
YOU can be in charge of what goes on your skin and in your body. In fact, you'd better take charge because no one else is concerned about your safety – not the government or the skin care companies. Olay is certainly not unique.
Margaret Riggs says
I have used the definity, the regenerist, also the newest olay product. I have had a severe eye infection, which almost caused the loss of an eye. My face swelled, my eyes swelled shut. I also had skin allergies which are still giving me problem. Has any one else had the same problems. I no longer use these products, am still having some problems. Disapointed in Olay M> Riggs
Sue says
Yes I too have used definity and Have had several Allergic reactions To mostly my eye area . I blamed it on either the dog hair or certain plants in the yard. Just recently purchased Olay regenerist serum. I applied one application And my face has been on fire for three days, It is dry and crackly itchy beyond belief red and blotchy and puffy. I have never experienced this type of itching before and would not consider myself to have sensitive skin. Well if you don’t mind a red puffy face it will hide your wrinkles. Now I’m sure that the Olay products have caused These irritations. I will never use Olay products again.
BlissPlan says
Sue, this is very funny: “if you don’t mind a red puffy face it will hide your wrinkles”. What a deal … no one will notice my wrinkles because they are horrified by my bloated, red face. Ouch. So sorry for your problems but at least you know an easy solution and that’s a blessing. (Sydney)
blissplan says
Margaret, thanks for your feedback. I used Oil Of Olay years ago and in about a week had multiple bumps underneath my skin. They looked like craters on the moon except that they were convex, instead of concave. I quit using it and in about two days they were gone. I assume if was the Olay since that was the only time in my life I ever had them and they disappeared quickly.
Sorry for your bad experience. It sounds like you might be allergic to something in the product?
Olivia says
I’m just curious, if this stuff causes so many skin disorders why is everyone buying it and why is it rated #1 in consumer reports for effectiveness? I highly doubt that Oil of Olay would still be in business if everyone was having this reaction. Right? I am not for or against Oil of Olay at this point. I am doing some research to determine for myself (without all the conspiracy theories) whether their products pose any health risks to me. I have used it for the last three weeks and have had NO negative side effects but that doesn’t mean I am not concerned with the long term effects of the active and inactive ingredients. Again, for the ladies that talked of near death experiences because of these products, I have to believe this is the exception and not the rule or we would not see these products on local drugstore shelves and we would certainly not see Oil of Olay in business.
Lee says
I Had a terrible reaction to the products Bliss,ended up in the hospital for 5 hours,yesterday,,Face an!!!d mouth all swelled up,realy scary,will buy all natural from now on,Bad produt Lee Tis morning still swelled a bit.need to take 3 presprections.to try and get the rest of the swelling down,had 2 benelyn at the hospital !VS
BlissPlan says
Oh, my god! Lee, that is terrible! I am so, so sorry. Obviously, you are terribly allergic or sensitive to some ingredients in this product. I’m sure you will never use it again. I hope you’re feeling much better now? (Sydney Johnston)
Brenda says
I’ve been using Olay for years and LOVE it! People tell me all the time I look like I’m in my early thirties and I’m 45. The only reason I’m going to stop using it at all is because of the parabens.
BlissPlan says
Brenda, if it works for you, then wonderful. It’s great to look so young.
jeannine says
I’ve used Oil of Olay for 25 years and have not had any problems and my skin looks great and is soft and smooth!
blissplan says
Olivia, I agree with you that these extreme reactions are the rarity, rather than being common to many people. The thing is … how do we know that WE aren’t going to be those people with extreme reactions?
And the second question is: what is the exact number of chemicals we can take into our bodies without any ill effects? We’re all exposed to HUNDREDS of chemicals every day.
I became converted to using natural products, whenever possible, when I was a 6th year teacher. I had nine kids on Ritalin in my classes. I talked to the parents of every single one of those children and suggested that changing their diets might calm the kids – eliminating sugars and junk food. Only one set of parents paid any attention – and by spring their child was drug free! The other eight kept taking the Ritalin. What a powerful lesson.
Shirley Walker says
I am severly allergic to petroleum and all the derivatives of mineral oil and also alcohol. I am looking for a really good strictly herbal skin care line that does not contain any alcohol. Mold and fermenting things are equally big problems. I am bed bound due to advanced MS., never in direct sun, very fair skin, and skin sensitive due to psoriasis. i am 74 with mostly dry skin. I am searching for a good body wash, good shampoo, and good exfoliater. I really need help. My care givers are at a loss.
Deb says
Shirley I work with MS patients and would love to help you out please contact me and lets see if I have anything you might want to try. then if you like it and it works I can get it for you.
Sanya says
I’ve been using Olay for quite some time now. I really like the Total Effects foaming face wash and the 7 in 1 Total Effects gentle ‘anti ageing cream’. Not really sure if it’s the Olay products that are really irritating my skin. The past few months my nice looking facial skin has started looking really bad. So there’s some dryness, rashy looking stuff and burning when I put most products on it, especially Olay. Never really had any problems with my skin til the past few months. Not really sure what to do about it. Ideas anyone?
Marti says
Yes. Make your own. Sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, beeswax, essential oil chosen specifically for its scent, and water. Pennies to the dollar, and no chemicals to harm your skin. Excellent moisturizer. Takes about 15 minutes to make from scratch, 3 1/2 Cups of moisturizer.
BlissPlan says
Marti, I couldn’t agree more. It’s so easy – and inexpensive – to make our own natural products. Why use expensive and harmful ingredients? (Sydney)
Faye VanHaaren says
Hi! I have been using Oil of Olay for at least 35 years to date, and this was the first time I thought of researching the ingredients in it. I am 64 years old, and have had so many compliments on my skin, looking younger than my age. When the newer products came out, I tryed some, and found that for me the original worked as good as the higher priced ones. Now I am wondering if maybe I did a big mistake for many years….I wouldn’t even know what to switch to for a moisturizer . I do not use makeup as foundation, only Oil of Olay, or Olay now, and have radiant skin. The question is “Do I change after all these years”?
Amanda says
I was wondering if any one had responded to your post. I am very interested if they did. I have been using olay for some time now as my grandmother has inplyed I do so along with Johnson and johnosons baby lotion which contains alcohol. My E-mail is Twistedara@yahoo.com thanks for your time
Charity B. says
My mom has beautiful skin and looks younger than her 60 years. I am 40 and just bought Olay Anti-Wrinkle cream, because my mom suggested it and she has few wrinkles. She hardly uses sunscreen, so I figure I will do what she does. However, prior to this, I have been using a more natural product for my skin, even though I haven’t seen difference in my skin. I am really a health nut and use all kinds of natural, organic products, but am drawn to Olay due to my mom’s success. Good for you for having beautiful skin! It is definitely confusing out there, but think you should stick with what works. :)
:D
BlissPlan says
Charity, you are so right. If any skincare regimen is working for you or your mom, then by all means stick with it – at least as it gives you the results you want.
Susan says
Hi, I have used oil of olay products off and on for many years. However for the past few years I have had bouts of eye irritation , iritis which is painful , red, irritated dry eyes which started about a month after I started using the new Olay regenerist cream. I never even thought the Olay product was the cause so I kept using it daily. I was threw many tests to find the cause of the iritis, all which came back negative. I am perfectly heathy. My eye doctor put me on Restasis. I stopped using all Olay products-guess what? No more eye problems. No more Restasis – I never needed it in the first place! So ladies, if your using Olay products and have dry eye, STOP USING OLAY IT MAY VERY WELL BE THE CAUSE OF YOUR DRY EYE-IT WAS MINE!! WOW– ARE THEY WORKING WITH THE PHARMACUTICAL COMPANIES????
blissplan says
Susan, congratulations on figuring out why you were having problems! You are a great bio-detective. I used Olay years ago and broke out in bumps beneath my skin which I’d never seen before – and they vanished when I stopped using the product. Olay products seem to cause problems for some of us, once again proving that nothing works for every single person.
Mary says
Susan,
The exact same thing happened to me. I tried the New Olay Regenerist Cream and my eyes were so dry, they were sticking to my eyelids at night. I went to several eye doctors and they wanted to perform surgery. Come to find out, when I stopped using the Oil of Olay. They got much better. I wanted to make sure that was the culprit, so I just used it again the other night, and had the worse eye sticking I have ever had. Now the Oil of Olay is in the trash where it belongs. I can’t believe something on the market could cause this. I am now using coconut oil on my face. DON’T buy this product!!
BlissPlan says
Mary, thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Obviously not everyone has such a strong reaction but obviously you did and there are many like you. I’m so glad you have an alternative. Best of luck with your new beauty regimen.
misty says
Every time i use oil of olay cream cleansing face wash I come down with a terrible eye infection called iritis! Doctors could not figure it out for a long time. It was just by chance I ran out of oil of olay and used something else and it cleared up! I have had many friends who suffered the same problem over the pst 3 years! I just want to inform others of this possibility!
BlissPlan says
Misty, that is a terrible story! It’s great that you’ve finally figured out the problem so that you can stop these infections. Congratulations – and sorry you suffered for so long.
Jane F says
I’m 41 and have been having some issues with dry skin the last couple of months so I decided to try some Olay to help moisturize my skin. I just used a very tiny bit before applying my make up as I always have before. Within 3 days, my face was completely broken out with acne and sores! I looked like a 13 year old in puberty. :/ Ceased using the Olay and was fine again in about a week. Might be an uncommon occurrence but is it really worth the risk of finding out if you’re also one of the ones who will experience this?
Luca says
I used Definity Foam Moisturizer at my mom’s house one night and by the next morning, my face and neck were red, my face was swollen, and both neck and face itched like crazy and were hot to the touch for three days. NEVER again will I use Oil of Olay. This is the second time I’ve had a reaction to one of their products.
tasha79 says
I am 31 and have been using oil of olay(oil of ulan back then)since i was fourteen.
I get compliments on my skin and tell people that i use this moisturiser and swear by it.
I stopped using it a few months ago and tried some other brands just for a change
.Yesterday i bought a new bottle of oil of olay,but i thought i would try the “sensitive” one instead.After i put it on i became very itchy and not just on my face.My neck and upper chest were aswell.I didn’t click it was the moisturiser until i had the same reaction today.
This time it was worse,i have come up with red welts under my eyes and have been scratching,making it worse.
I washed it off with just water but am still irritated.I thought it being “sensitive” it would be alot more gentle than the usual one!!
I then had a good look at the ingredients and am shocked!So many chemicals and actual WARNINGS about using a so-called “sensitive” product?!
I am very disappointed,i won’t be buying this again.
Jan 55 says
Sitting at my desk reading these responses, and trying to stay awake after taking Benadryil for my itchy face! I have used Olay products for a long time, Just replaced my tinted moisturizer with the Defintiy 7 Total Effects UV …etc which I use for a foundation. Started about 2 weeks ago…but I don’t wear makeup every day. Finally clicked that it has to be the Olay product, since the onbly other thing I use on my face would be water, or Johnson and Johnson baby wash. Otherwise, I don’t have sensitive skin. I now have puffy eyes, maddeningly itchy and fevered skin, which is a blotchy red, from jawline up to hairline….even my eyelids are red adn itchy! The 7 Effects does not list these as one or two of the effects you should expect! It’s going in the trash tonight. Too bad it’s a bit pricey to toss when it’s 95% full, but I could go crazy scratchng or trying not to, if I kept using it! I will be emailing Olay with this tidbit today…
BlissPlan says
Wow, those are some terrible side effects. I’m so sorry that you’re having such a bad time. It’s a good thing that you’re taking action to let Olay know about the trouble you’re having. Hope you get back to your normal ‘unblotched’ state.
Jan 55 says
Checking in after ceasing the use of the Olay Total Effects UV product. Went for a few days with nothing at all on my face…used Baby wash as normal. Finally back to semi normal, although crease in eyelid still seems to redden, but no more blothces, fevered skin, or pronounced itching. Process of elimination tells me it had to have been the Olay…. have now switched to a Sonja Kaschuk product, tinted moisturizer. No problems so far, but lots fewer ingredients…crossing my fingers!
Laurie says
Me too! Seemed like a good moisturizing product. Unfortunatly, my dermatologist is blaming the Olay product for causing the welts on my face and eyes. Been dealing with this for months. Unfortunately never put the 2 together as I’ve used various Olay products for years without these results. Be aware!
BlissPlan says
The only way to know is to read each label carefully. Even then it’s tough because the companies sometimes use terms that disguise what’s actually in the jar. We can’t even assume that the ingredients are the same in each batch!
BlissPlan says
“now if the entire medical field would just get a clue…..haha.”
I understand where’s you’re coming from. Ha, ha, is right! That’s not totally fair – there are some very well informed and caring medical people out there but there certainly are a lot who have sold out. Ultimately, WE are responsible for what goes on and in our bodies. My mother’s generation treated medical people and professionals like they were demi-gods, but no longer.
BlissPlan says
Luca, it sounds as though it’s time to give up Oil of Olay. Everybody’s skin and body reacts differently to different products and I’m so sorry for your misery. It really sucks and three days is a l-o-n-g time to itch and feel hot.
dani says
I have used Oil of Olay for over 30 years, never had a problem, however, I have been using the Regenerist and anti wrinkle cream, and my face, and lips have developed red puffy splotchs. I also am getting dry red and itchy eyelids…I am planning to go basck to the old (and cheaper) Oil of Olay with moisturizer.
rned says
I got the exact same reaction. I am currently experiencing hot, itchy,puffy face, swollen cheeks with no relief from one use of regenerist sculpting serum and wrinkle revolution complex. I used it months ago, and stopped because of the same symptoms, but wasn’t positive it was from this because I stopped using all products with fragrances. I decided to give this another try because its so expensive and here i am again, miserable. Never again will I use Oil of Olay. I was a fan, but I am a convert – its all chemical free products now.
BlissPlan says
That’s terrible! You are obviously very sensitive to chemical ingredients and I’m sure you’ve been miserable. I make my own so that I know EXACTLY what’s in them http://www.blissplan.com/products/skin-care/watch-your-skin-celebrate/ and never have problems any more. Thanks for your feedback – you have certainly helped some others avoid the suffering you’ve undergone. Bless you for that. (Sydney Johnston)
Laurie says
I wish I read this post earlier! I was told that the symptoms that I was experiencing was because of eczema (for a couple of years). I just visited a new dermatologist and it was identified that the reaction is actually from the regenerist product by Olay. This is causing my swollen eyes, and patches of redness on my cheeks and neck that swell, peel and take at least a week to resolve. And then start all over again! Ugh! Maybe the parabens are the cause? Anyone else?
BlissPlan says
Parabens can cause awful problems for some people, and you might be one of them. For the rest of us, they cause damage but it’s just slower and more subtle. It’s great that you found out the true cause rather than treating your “eczema” unnecessarily.
BlissPlan says
Dani, that’s great that you’ve found what works for you. Your experience proves, once again, that we’re all different and that it’s important to experiment to see what happens – and to keep in mind that our skin will change in the future. There is no one-size-fits-all.
Elizabeth says
What do you think of Dimethicone? I’ve heard conflicting reports. Some say it’s harmless others say it’s another harmful chemical to stay away from. Even Avalon and other so called organic anti-aging moisturizers have it.
BlissPlan says
Here’s what the Cosmetics Safety Database has to say about dimethicone.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702011/DIM…
Kelly says
I was under the impression that the nanotechnology in Arbonne’s products was replaced with vitaspheres???
BlissPlan says
Kelly, this post is close to three years old and may need some updating. Thanks for pointing this out and I’ll do some research on the subject.
Trudi says
I used the old Oil of Ulay Beauty Fluid for sensitive skin since age about 30 till about age 50 and was happy with it but then for several years I changed to other excellent but expensive products. When I went back to Olay lotion it wasn’t enough for my older skin. I tried Olat Total Effects but this product gave me red itchy blotches on my face and neck after using it twice. Boots refunded me. Then I received a gift set at Christmas and tried Olat Complete Care cream but found my skin reacted again but not to the same extent as the Total Effects. Then, still trusting the Olay brand, and blaming the reaction on the sensitive nature of my skin, I bought Olay Double Action just this week, because it bore the ‘Sensitive’ banner. I’ve used it 2 nights and mornings and my skin feels hot. Without some kind of moisturiser, my skin becomes dry and even flaky so I will continue my search for a gentle product. I did, however, like the Olay Gentle Cleansers face wash from the gift set. Also, I guess the offending products work for others. Thanks for all your reports.
BlissPlan says
Trudi, that’s exactly right – some people love Oil of Olay and some have unfortunate side effects. That’s true of any product, of course. The fact that your skin feels hot definitely tells you that you should stop using that product. What a bummer – use a product that’s supposed to make us beautiful and we look worse. :-(
Eva says
I’m really confused about whats going on with my skin. I recently realized that I’m allergic to mineral oil when putting Baby oil on my skin after a shower. After 3 days of not using it, I still have a rash on my chest (very itchy) after going online and doing more research I came across this blog and I also have used Oil of Olay products for years. I am wondering if this is the reason for my dry, itchy eyes. Especially when I wake up in the morning. My eye lashes have even started to thin out and I am now convinced it is due to an allergy from something in this product and maybe even other products I have used for years. I am 37 yrs old and I never had issues in my 20’s or even early 30’s. Why now?
BlissPlan says
For a long time I was immune to poison ivy/oak – and then all of a sudden I broke out in terrible rashes and it became a horrible problem. Every since then I’ve realized that we can use a product for a long time but develop an allergy as time goes by. Why this happens is a mystery (at least to me) but I suggest you stop using Olay for a while and see what happens.
Also, do you know that mineral oil is made from petroleum? That black, goopy stuff that comes out of the ground is good for cars but it’s probably bad for humans. Your body might not like it either.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes.
Salome says
I have been using the day and night cream for a while. I had problems with sinus. I am not sure if it is maybe the product or something else, food, etc. I am staying in South Africa. What other more natural facial and body products do you know of in SA that I can use? Thanx for your advice.
BlissPlan says
Salome, I don’t know what’s available in South Africa? The best thing you can do is make your own skin care products, which is what I do. (Sydney Johnston)
Judith says
About three or four weeks ago I opened a just bought jar of Olay Regenerist for the face, I had never used this product before and now CURSE the day that I did. I began gently to apply the cream on my cheeks & forehead then all hell broke loose, my eyes started hurting so bad I quickly wet a towel to rub this stuff off my face & rinse my eyes. I had not applied this cream near my eyes so how did this happen? It took about10 to15 minutes of rinsing for the pain to subside but still lingered a while afterwards. Olay denied this was even possible. Now my vision is very blurry & getting worse with time, the eye pain is back & constant. I cannot see letters anymore large or small, they are so blurry I had to get readers from Walmart. I’m seeing a doctor this week but I’m so afraid.
BlissPlan says
Judith, that’s so awful. Bless your heart. It sounds as though you might have had a severe allergic reaction? We sincerely hope that the doctor can help and that all your news is good. Please let us know what happens. (Sydney)
Michelle says
I have used Olay Definity intense repairing anti-ageing serum last night and have woken this morning with swollen eyes and face. I have bright red sun burn type marks where I put the cream. I do have sensitive skin and did a patch test the night before and it was fine. So I applied it to my cheeks and forhead and woke to find myself looking like a chipmunk and with fluid in my eye lids. It is now really sore and tight and I can’t smile without pain. I think there needs to be more warning on these products. I really trusted Olay as me, my mum and my grandmother have been using their products without any issues. I hope people become aware of these ingredients as it will save them pain, discomfort and embarresment.
BlissPlan says
Michelle, that is really awful! I am so sorry that you’ve had such terrible problems and hope the symptoms are gone, soon. There are a lot of horror stories about Olay on this post. Caution is definitely in order. (Sydney Johnston)
Sandy says
I have used the Olay day fluid for normal to oily skin twice on my face now. I have never had any skin problems and do not know of any allergies though I never used any Olay products before. I am 34 years old and thought I try the Olay products after using Nivea and the Time delay range from Boots. After using the Olay fluid just a couple of times I have developed lots of little red blisters on my forehead and around my eyes. I didn’t think it was the cream so applied it to my arm – no reaction; I applied to my neck this morning and its now mid day and I can see similar effects on my neck. The blisters are slightly itchy and filled with fluid. I do think its an allergic reaction to whatever is in the cream- unfortunately I threw the box away and there is no ingredients on the bottle….
BlissPlan says
Sandy, it does sound like an allergy. Our arms are ‘tougher’ than our face and neck so that might be why it didn’t affect your arm. Sorry you had this problem but at least it’s easy to prevent it from happening again. Best of luck. (Sydney)
Judi says
About six weeks ago I started using Olay Regenerist and within a couple of weeks my hair started falling out by the handfuls. I never even thought about it being from the Olay product. Has anyone else had this happen?
BlissPlan says
Good heavens, Judi, that’s TERRIBLE! I don’t know if it’s from the Olay product you’re using but I would discontinue using it immediately and see what happens. Let us know. [Sydney]
Joy says
I had about 2/3rds of my hair fall out about 6 months ago… you can read my post up above, but i didnt think to mention my hair loss because I didnt think olay 7 on my face could do that… but why not, it has done so much other damage.
BlissPlan says
Joy, perhaps Olay wasn’t the cause? But is it is a coincidence that someone else had the same results you did? It’s certainly something to think about. Anyway, I hope your hair has grown back?
Joy says
Actually, I didnt realize why my hair was looking very strange and flat untill I noticed the grow back…. it is growing in nice and thick, but has a LONG way to go to get to the length I had before. So… last friday, I decided to give the olay a rest since I have been feeling much better lately… and within 2 days, right back to sore eyes, heavy forhead….strained feeling all over my face. No more Olay for me…. EVER!
BlissPlan says
Joy, that’s a very interesting experiment. It does seem that Olay is the culprit for you and it’s great that now you know and can avoid it. Hard lesson for sure but not as bad as being mystified.
Kris says
The previous posts have been very interesting!! Since 2005 I have used Clinique products and was very pleased with them. Then, due to a change in my financial/our economy situation and wanting to be a little more budget minded I changed to Olay products. I chose Olay because in years past…pre Clinique… I had used their products and was pretty pleased with the results. This past Fall I was having a problem with my eyes being constantly irritated and watering throughout the day. It was making me crazy!! A couple of months later I discovered enlarged lymph nodes in my neck and shoulder which sent me to the doctor. They could find nothing wrong that was obvious and prescribed antibiotics. I actually had a pretty nasty hives reaction to the antibiotics which, at age 60, was a first to me. I have never been allergic to anything. Part of me was thinking that maybe my age??? was causing this?? But I have always been a very healthy person with a strong immune system. I was making no connection to Olay products at this point. I thought that maybe I was having an allergy to pollen in the fall, which is a first for me as I have never had that kind of problem. But…I am getting older so I was thinking…maybe??… that this allergy that was irritating my eyes so much had caused an infection and that my lymph nodes were reacting. I had no other possible causes of what was going on.
In sharing all of this with my daughter, an experienced and educated massage therapist, she asked me a lot of questions and if I had had any injuries or cuts in my head or shoulder areas. Then she asked if I was using anything different as to makeup or lotions. I shared my Olay change. She thought this was something to investigate!! This really got me thinking because all of this irritation started a month or two after making the transition to Olay. As my Clinique products were running out I was replacing them with the corresponding Olay products so it was a bit of a gradual transition. So I decided to do a Iittle experiment. I had a few Clinique samples sitting around and decided to use them instead of the Olay products. Within two days most of my symptoms were gone. I have since switched back to Clinique and tossed all of my Olay products in the trash and I have not had a problem since! Go figure!!
So…I have nothing scientific to back this but to me the proof is pretty clear.
I was sent the link to all these conversations by my sister today. I had never shared my little Clinique/Olay thing with her but when I was visiting her this week I did. She has been plagued…and miserable… for a year and a half with very irritated eyes. She has been to three doctors and no one can come up with anything. Guess what I found out during our conversation…she uses Olay products and started using them about 18 months ago!! She is going to be switching to another product and we shall see if her results are the same as mine. If this turns out to be all that it is that has caused her so much misery for so many months it is going to be great for her. But Olay??? So what is the deal….Olay??? Stay tuned for an update!!
BlissPlan says
Kris, thanks so much for your detailed post. What you’ve said is amazing and we at BlissPlan are so happy that you’ve figured out your problem. I hope your sister gets the same wonderful results. Obviously, there is an ingredient (or two or three?) in Olay that your body doesn’t like. Your mystery is solved – and before you spent a fortune on doctors. Congratulations. (Sydney)
Loves Pups says
Bought the Olay Regenerist and tried on several different days – had the same BAD effect each time, my skin would break out in different areas, including my neck/chest area, in very itchy, irritated blisters. This product is horrible and I WILL NEVERY BUY ANY OLAY PRODUCT AGAIN!
BlissPlan says
We’re so sorry you had such a bad time with your Olay Regenerist but thanks so much for sharing your experience. Perhaps you will save somebody else from the same blisters and pain.
Janetti says
I bought olay regenerist rehydrating lotion, the first time i used it i noticed a small itchy patch on my chest and small itchy spots on my face- i continued using it and two days later woke up with a bright red, blotchy, itchy face, chest and neck – the itching drove me mad, my neck look like it had been burnt and even now 3 days on face is still itchy and dry. I have contacted Olay who although say they are sorry, can take no responsibility for this rare reaction and have offered me some vouchers – presumably for more of their awful products that i cannot use, so they obviously do not care
BlissPlan says
That’s almost amusing: “rare” reaction. Obviously, from comments on this page, your reaction isn’t rare at all. I’m sorry for your hard time. Hopefully the itching is finished now and your skin is smooth again. Thanks for sharing your experience.
cindy says
One application of Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 caused my face to burn, swell, itch, and turn bright red. Two days later my face is still burning although the other symptoms are gone. My teenage daughter tried it and had the same reaction within 10 minutes of application.
BlissPlan says
Cindy, if you and your daughter both have the same reaction, then it MUST be the Olay Total Effects 7. I’m so sorry and hope the effects are gone soon. I’m sure you won’t be buying that product any more? :-)
Johanna says
Just to clarify, Arbonne does not use nanotechnology. We are water based so nano particles are needed.
BlissPlan says
Johanna, your comment isn’t clear? You say that you do NOT use nanotechnology – but then say that you’re water based so nano particles are needed. Doesn’t that mean that you DO use nanotechnology? We would appreciate clarification because we want to remove any errors in our stories.
Sheri says
I used Regenerist Luminous eye treatment for 2 days. Loved the brightening effect, but on the 3rd day I woke up with a very swollen face and eyes, which over the next 2 days turned red, to hardened, to dry and flaky, and finally back to normal. I have had this same reaction to products with propylene glycol, but since I didn’t see this ingredient listed, I thought it would be safe for me to use. Walgreens says they will take it back with a reciept. Desperately looking for receipt!
BlissPlan says
Sheri, hope you found that receipt? It’s bad enough to suffer without having to pay for it. Best of luck with your healing.
Lisa says
Arbonne does not use Nanotechnology. Here is their official response on the matter: Nanotechnology can be safe and it can also be a concern. Arbonne does not use Nanotechnology or nano particles. Our ingredients are either oil or water soluble so nanotechnology is not needed..
BlissPlan says
Perhaps they have discontinued the use of nanotechnology – or perhaps not – but it was part of their site information when this article was written. Readers should consider the information and all the comments below and make up their own minds.
maggie says
i have been using oil of olay for years on my face and have had no problems although i was concerned when a friend informed me that the ingredient “cetyl alcohol” in oil of olay is obtained from killing whales and dolphins,can anyone enlighten me on this as i would stop using it immediately.
BlissPlan says
The word “cetyl” refers to whale oil and a chemist discovered cetyl alcohol when he heated spermaceti, which is “a waxy substance obtained from sperm whale oil”. Today it’s no longer made from whales but comes from either plants or petroleum … yep, that black stuff that oozes out of the ground. The trouble is that when we use a product with cetyl alcohol we have no way of knowing where it came from. It’s used as a thickening agent and because it will keep oil and water from separating.
Pamela Green says
I have recently started using Olay Regenerist products and this morning I look as if I have been in a fight!!
My forehead is puffy, red and itchiing. My eyes are red and swollen and I have red bags under my eyes.
After finding this site and reading all these comments, this product should be banned.
BlissPlan says
Pamela, I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a terrible time with your Regnerist! At least you know what’s causing it and you can stop using it, so the symptoms will subside. I feel especially sorry for those who don’t understand what’s happening to them!
sue says
Olay is very toxic. Took me six months with doctors to figure out what was wrong. Swollen burnt face. Itchy skin, lost hair and very sick. Also equilibrium off and ear problems.
BlissPlan says
Sue, the loss of equilibrium is especially disturbing. We’re so glad that you figured it out. These chemicals can really be deadly to our bodies!
Judy says
Ugh, three episodes of chemical burn! First I blamed it on my new Retina A Rx, then I blamed it on a psoriasis OTC cream, now all along it’s been Oil of Olay Regenerist luminous cream. Had eye infections w/ 100.00$ plus antibiotics, went on Steroids with improvement. Applied the Olay last night to wake up at 3:ooAM to more horrible welts and swelling! I’m thinking Class Action law suit for all of us!
BlissPlan says
Judy, that’s a really terrible story! Antibiotics and steroids are heavy-duty remedies. You must have been really suffering to use them. What irony … we use a product like Regenerist cream to look better and end up looking so much worse. I hope all the misery is behind you? (Sydney)
Tranquil Cs says
A few years back I tried the Olay Regenerist line on the suggestion from a friend who swore by it. Three days of use later I developed several cysts on my chin then there were three total. I was horrified. I discontinued using Regenerist…thinking it would clear up eventually. Instead of going away it continued to break out for at least Nother 5months…I went to a dermatologist who told me that Oil of Olay is one of the worst things to use on your skin because of the oils in it… never will I use again. No one with sensitive skin should. They should have a warning for people with sensitive skin…this is toxic.