hypoallergenic hypoallergenic hypoallergenic, meaning "below average" or "slightly" allergenic, is a term meaning that something (usually cosmetics, pets, textiles, food, etc.) causes fewer allergic reactions. the term was first used in 1953 in an advertising campaign for cosmetics or perhaps as early as 1940. look up hypoallergenic in wiktionary, the free dictionary. the term is also commonly applied to pet breeds which are claimed to produce fewer allergens than other breeds of the same species, due to some combination of their coat type, absence of fur, or absence of a gene that produces a certain protein. all breeds still produce allergens and a 2011 study failed to find a difference in allergen concentrations in homes with dogs of "hypoallergenic breeds" and other breeds. certifications and definitions in some countries, there are allergy interest groups that provide manufacturers with a certification procedure including tests that ensure a product is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but such products are usually described and labeled using other but similar terms. so far, public authorities in no country provide an official certification that an item must undergo before being described as hypoallergenic. the cosmetic industry has been trying for years to block an industry standard for use of the term. in 1975, the us food and drug administration tried to regulate the term hypoallergenic, but the proposal was challenged by cosmetic companies clinique and almay in the united states court of appeals for the district of columbia, which ruled that the regulation was invalid. thus, cosmetic companies are not required to meet any regulations or do any testing to validate their claims. a 2017 study of the top-selling skin moisturizers from amazon, target, and walmart found 83% of those marketed as "hypoallergenic" contained at least one potentially allergenic chemical. hypoallergenic pets