Abstract

The concept of sensitive skin is subject of rifecontroversies. Some authors consider sensitive skin as a sensory irritation without any visible clinical signs. Others extend this definition to some environmentally-induced dermatoses. This latter concept is at risk of introducing much confusion and overlapping with allergic and irritantcontact dermatitis. The present review focuses on the restricted definition of invisible sensitive skin, andparticularly on sensory irritation to surfactants. A series ofbiometrological assessments may reveal some aspects linked to sensory irritation.