If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle. One wrong product can lead to redness, itchiness, breakouts—or worse. You probably read every ingredient label, avoid harsh chemicals, and think twice before trying anything new. So it’s only natural to wonder: Are Frownies safe for sensitive skin?
The answer is yes, for most people—and there’s science to back it up.
Frownies Facial Patches are HRIPT tested, a type of clinical testing designed specifically to assess skin safety and potential for irritation. But what exactly does that mean? And why should you feel confident using Frownies even if your skin reacts easily?
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What HRIPT testing is
- How the test is conducted (and how rigorous it really is)
- Who performs HRIPT testing and why it’s considered a gold standard in skincare safety
- What our test results mean for people with sensitive skin
What Are Frownies?
Frownies Facial Patches are a non-invasive skincare solution designed to help smooth the appearance of expression lines. Worn overnight (or for a few hours during the day), they work by gently retraining facial muscles to relax—similar to the way you’d use a splint or cast.
They’re made of unbleached kraft paper and use a water-activated adhesive. Frownies are free from added fragrance, latex, silicone, PFAs, parabens, phthalates.
But even with that clean ingredient list, we knew we had to go a step further to earn the trust of customers with sensitive skin. That’s why we submitted Frownies for HRIPT testing.
What Is HRIPT Testing?
HRIPT stands for Human Repeat Insult Patch Test, and it’s a clinical trial used to evaluate whether a product may cause irritation or allergic reactions in human skin.
HRIPT testing is a multi-week process where a product is applied repeatedly to a group of human volunteers under controlled conditions to simulate long-term use. Researchers monitor the skin for any signs of redness, swelling, itching, or other reactions. The goal is to determine whether the product is a primary irritant or a sensitizer.
This is not a casual "let’s try this on someone and see what happens" type of test. It’s formal, standardized, and regulated.
Why HRIPT Is Considered a Gold Standard in Skincare Safety Testing
There are lots of tests that brands can do on their products. But HRIPT is one of the most trusted and rigorous when it comes to evaluating potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Here’s why:
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It uses real people (not just lab simulations).
Unlike in vitro (test tube) testing or computer modeling, HRIPT involves applying the product to human volunteers—usually around 50 to 200 people. -
It repeats exposure over time.
Many skin reactions happen not after one use, but after repeated exposure. HRIPT mimics real-world conditions by applying the product repeatedly over 2–4 weeks. -
It uses an occlusive patch method.
The product is applied to the skin and then covered with a patch to maximise penetration and create the most challenging conditions for the skin. If it doesn’t cause a reaction here, it’s very unlikely to cause one under normal use. -
It includes a rest period and rechallenge.
After the initial exposure phase, there's a rest period where the skin has time to return to baseline. Then the product is reapplied in a final "challenge" phase to see if any delayed hypersensitivity reactions occur. -
It is reviewed and overseen by trained dermatologists and clinical researchers.
HRIPT testing is conducted in specialized labs with board-certified dermatologists and trained technicians monitoring the results, recording reactions, and grading the data using standardised scales.
Who Performs HRIPT Testing?
HRIPT testing is not something that can be done in-house by a brand or casually conducted in an office setting. It is a formal clinical study carried out by independent third-party clinical research laboratories that specialize in product safety for skincare, cosmetics, and personal care items.
These specialized laboratories are staffed by teams of experts including:
- Board-certified dermatologists
- Clinical researchers
- Certified study technicians
- Ethics and compliance officers
All of them work together to design, administer, monitor, and analyse the test from start to finish. Every step of the process is conducted under strict medical and scientific oversight to ensure that the data is accurate, reliable, and—most importantly—protective of participant health.
A Controlled, Clinical Setting
These labs are equipped with medical-grade facilities where test subjects can be monitored under controlled environmental conditions. The HRIPT protocol includes:
- Close observation of how the product interacts with skin over time
- Daily documentation and grading of skin reactions (if any) by trained dermatological professionals
- Standardized scoring systems to record even the smallest signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or sensitivity
It’s worth emphasizing: HRIPT is not a superficial consumer test. It is a clinical safety study, and it is treated with the same level of seriousness as pharmaceutical or dermatological research.
Not Just a Checkbox—It’s Clinical Proof
Some brands may use buzzwords like “dermatologist-tested” or “gentle for sensitive skin” without undergoing any kind of formal safety testing. But HRIPT is different. It’s not just a marketing claim—it’s real clinical proof that a product has been tested, under stress conditions, on human skin, by medical professionals.
When we say Frownies are HRIPT tested, that means:
- We voluntarily submitted our product for objective third-party testing
- We passed the test with no signs of irritation or allergic response
- Our safety claims are backed by clinical data, not just anecdotal feedback
For customers with sensitive skin—who’ve learned the hard way that “natural” doesn’t always mean “non-irritating”—this is a powerful layer of reassurance.
What the Results Mean for Sensitive Skin
Frownies passed HRIPT testing with no signs of irritation or sensitization in the test subjects.
That means:
- Frownies are not primary irritants
- Frownies do not cause allergic reactions
- Frownies are considered hypoallergenic and safe for repeated use—even on sensitive skin
In short: Frownies are clinically tested and shown to be gentle enough for daily use—even on reactive skin types.
Of course, everyone’s skin is unique, and even with HRIPT verification, no product can guarantee 100% zero reactions for every single person. But HRIPT testing gives us a very high level of confidence that Frownies are well-tolerated by the vast majority of users, including those with sensitive skin.
What Makes Frownies Especially Gentle?
Along with passing HRIPT testing, Frownies are formulated to be naturally compatible with sensitive skin. Here’s how:
-
No synthetic adhesive:
Frownies use a water-activated, starch-based adhesive made. No harsh glues or acrylates. -
No added fragrance or preservatives:
Many irritants come from artificial fragrances or preservatives like parabens. Frownies are free of both and other common irritants such as from latex, silicone, PFAs, and phthalates. -
Breathable material:
The unbleached paper backing allows the skin to breathe. Unlike silicone or plastic patches, they allow the skin to breathe without trapping dirt, sweat, or bacteria against the skin -
Single-use for hygiene:
Frownies are single-use, which reduces the risk of bacteria buildup or cross-contamination—important for reactive skin.
Real People, Real Results
We constantly hear from customers with sensitive skin who were nervous to try something new—but ended up loving the results.
“Hi. Redhead with very sensitive skin here. I've had no problems with Frownies. If anything, I've actually seen less irritation and breakouts on my forehead where I wear my patches. ”
– Laura M.
We’re proud that our clinical testing aligns with what real customers are experiencing every day. Frownies are proof that skincare can be gentle and effective.
How to Use Frownies Safely with Sensitive Skin
If you’re still on the cautious side (which we totally respect!), here are a few tips to ease into using Frownies:
- Do a patch test. Apply Frownies to your inner arm the first time you use them—especially if you have a history of skin allergies. Observe for skin irritation.
- Follow directions closely. For your safety, do not apply Frownies to irritated or broken skin. Use plenty of water to gentle remove Frownies after use.
- Progressively build to consistency. As you are introducing Frownies to your skincare routine, gradually build to daily wear. With HRIPT testing on our side, you can feel confident in regular application.
- Pair with sensitive-skin-friendly products. Use a gentle cleanser and hydrating toner or serum underneath (just let them absorb first), and avoid exfoliants or actives (like retinols) right before applying your Frownies.
The Bottom Line: Frownies Are Clinically Tested and Sensitive-Skin Approved
Choosing skincare when you have sensitive skin can feel like a gamble—but it doesn’t have to. Frownies take the guesswork out by doing what most brands don’t: putting our product through formal, clinical HRIPT testing to ensure safety for even the most reactive skin types.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying Frownies, let this be your sign. With minimal ingredients and HRIPT-certified confidence, Frownies are here to help you feel good in your skin—no guesswork required.
Ready to try Frownies for yourself?
Start with the Frownies Starter Kit and see what your skin has been missing.
And if you’ve already fallen in love with them, share your experience in the comments! Sensitive skin sisters, we see you.
Dr. Megan Wright, PT, DPT
