Before you lather on lotion or apply foundation, be sure you know what’s in your products. Allergic reactions to cosmetics can cause blisters, red rashes and itchy skin.

The Food and Drug Administration does not test cosmetic products’ ingredients, with the exception of color additives, according to the organization’s Web site. Cosmetic firms are solely responsible for their products’ safety.

“There is no way that a woman can verify anything about a cosmetic except to chose a company she has confidence in,” said Johns Hopkins dermatology professor Dr. Stanford Lamberg.

According to WebMD.com, to prevent cosmetic reactions:

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» Read the list of ingredients on all cosmetics

» Keep track of ingredients that may be harmful to you

» Do a “patch test” on your inner wrist

» Choose products with simple formulas

For more information about allergic reactions to cosmetics, visit webmd.com/allergies/guide/cosmetics.