Hypoallergenic Wetsuits & Neoprene Sensitivities

Lauren   February 4th, 2019   Posted In: Articles  

Patagonia’s Hypoallergenic Wetsuits Could Ease Neoprene Allergies

Hypoallergenic wetsuits are starting to make a splash (pun very much intended) in the wetsuit industry for those who suffer from neoprene or skin allergies. Neoprene and/or the glues and solvents used to make a wetsuit are typically to blame for allergic reactions.

So, what is it about neoprene that causes an allergic reaction on the skin? Patagonia received a lot of inquiries about their neoprene-free line of wetsuits (called Yulex) from customers who deal with skin allergies. Consumers want to know if Patagonia wetsuits are hypoallergenic and if the suits are a better option for people with neoprene sensitivities.

While it is extremely difficult to create a product that is skin-friendly for all (because not all allergies are created equal), Patagonia worked some serious magic to create a line of neoprene allergy-free, sustainable, fair trade and potentially hypoallergenic wetsuits.

What is a Neoprene Sensitivity?

What exactly is a neoprene sensitivity and how do you know if you have one? Neoprene may cause dermatological issues such as allergic contact dermatitis or even miliaria rubra. Symptoms of a neoprene allergy could include itching, swelling, a red spot or spots on the skin, rash, or even a tingling or burning sensation. These allergic reactions are typically the body’s response to “the accelerants used to manufacture the man-made rubber, specifically thiourea compounds and mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT)”.**

Miliaria rubra typically causes the tingling/burning sensation or raised red spots while contact dermatitis causes itching and/or swelling. Not only can the neoprene material itself cause an allergic reaction, the compounds and materials in the glue could also trigger a reaction for some. Patagonia took these factors into consideration when creating Yulex wetsuits.

Here are some main points about Patagonia’s line of Yulex wetsuits:

1. The main material is a composite of foamed rubber. It’s laminated on both sides with synthetic fabrics treated with water repellent finishes.
2. The fabrics are bluesign approved, which is a certification that covers many aspects about chemical and environmental safety and prohibits skin sensitizing chemicals.
3. The foamed rubber in between the fabrics is made of natural rubber plus additives including accelerators used for rubber production which can be skin-sensitizing.
4. There is an adhesive used to laminate the fabrics to the foamed rubber which may contain sensitizing chemicals.
5. There is also glue and liquid seam used on seams which can contain sensitizing chemicals.
6. Zippers, trims, edges and tight openings can cause physical irritation.
7. We focus on minimizing what is known to be skin sensitizing. But it is possible for an individual to have skin sensitivity to anything, which cannot be predicted.

We advise that you should ask your doctor for a list of chemical names that you need to avoid if you have skin allergies or sensitive skin.

Here is a list of rubber and adhesive content that Patagonia wetsuits DO NOT contain:

• p-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin
• zinc diethyldithiocarbamate
• dipentamethylenethiuram disulfide
• thiuram
• mercaptobenzothiazole
• mercapto mix
• Methylisothiazolinone: used as an antibacterial agent

  

However, Patagonia’s hypoallergenic wetsuits DO contain (the rubber and adhesive content):

• Natural rubber is processed to remove over 99% of the total protein which can be allergenic
• Accelerators to speed up the process of vulcanization (needed for natural rubber as well as synthetic rubber)
• Diethyl thiourea in small amounts in the solvent glue for seams

Summing it All Up: Hypoallergenic Wetsuits

Neoprene allergies are common – don’t think you’re alone. And while everyone’s skin reacts differently to chemicals or materials, Patagonia’s Yulex line of wetsuits may be a great hypoallergenic wetsuit option for those who deal with neoprene sensitivities/allergies!

If you’re not ready to purchase a Yulex wetsuit, contact our customer service team either via live chat, email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call 866-906-7848 and they can set you up with a Yulex material wetsuit sample. You can test this sample around your arm or leg to see if a reaction occurs!

** Reference: Stern, E. B., Callinan, N., Hank, M., Lewis, E. J., Schousboe, J. T., & Ytterberg, S. R. (1998). Neoprene splinting: Dermatological issues. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9693703

FAQ: Hypoallergenic Wetsuits & Neoprene Sensitivities

If you’ve ever experienced irritation from a wetsuit, you’re not alone. Hypoallergenic wetsuits are becoming a go-to solution for surfers, divers, and swimmers with sensitive skin. Here are some of the most common questions to help you better understand your options.

What are hypoallergenic wetsuits?

Hypoallergenic wetsuits are designed to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Instead of traditional neoprene, they often use alternative materials or modified rubber compounds with fewer known skin irritants, making them a better option for people with sensitivities.

What causes neoprene allergies in wetsuits?

Neoprene itself can trigger reactions, but more often it’s the chemicals used during manufacturing—like rubber accelerators, adhesives, and glues. Compounds such as thioureas and other additives are common culprits behind skin irritation.

What are the symptoms of a neoprene allergy?

Symptoms can vary but typically include redness, itching, rashes, swelling, or a burning or tingling sensation on the skin. These reactions may appear shortly after wearing the wetsuit or after repeated exposure over time.

Are neoprene allergies common?

They’re not extremely common, but they’re not rare either. Many people experience mild irritation at some point, especially with prolonged wear or repeated exposure. True allergic reactions are less frequent but still important to take seriously.

Are neoprene-free wetsuits better for sensitive skin?

For many people, yes. Neoprene-free wetsuits – like those made with natural rubber alternatives – can reduce exposure to some of the most common irritants. However, no wetsuit is completely risk-free, since other materials like glues or seams can still cause reactions.

What is Yulex and is it hypoallergenic?

Yulex is a natural rubber alternative used in some wetsuits as a replacement for neoprene. It’s processed to remove most allergenic proteins and is designed to minimize common irritants. While a Yulex wetsuit may be a better option for sensitive skin, individual reactions can still vary.

How can I test if I’m allergic to a wetsuit material?

A simple way to test is by placing a small sample of the material against your skin (like your wrist or ankle) for a period of time and monitoring for any reaction. For a more definitive answer, a dermatologist can perform patch testing to identify specific sensitivities.

Can wetsuit glue or seams cause skin irritation?

Yes, they can. Even if the main material is hypoallergenic, adhesives, seam sealants, and trims may still contain chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Friction from tight areas or zippers can also contribute to discomfort.

How can I prevent a rash from wearing a wetsuit?

Start by choosing a well-fitting suit made from skin-friendly materials. Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly after each use, avoid wearing it for extended periods when dry, and consider wearing a rash guard or base layer underneath to reduce direct skin contact.

Should I avoid wetsuits completely if I have sensitive skin?

Not necessarily. Many people with sensitivities can still enjoy water sports by choosing the right gear. Hypoallergenic wetsuits, proper care, and testing materials beforehand can make a big difference in staying comfortable and irritation-free!