Hypoallergenic means specially made to be less likely to cause allergic reactions. When something is hypoallergenic, manufacturers have designed it to avoid ingredients or materials that commonly trigger allergies like sneezing, itching, rashes, or watery eyes.

You'll often see this word on products like soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, or cosmetics. Hypoallergenic soap might skip harsh chemicals or strong fragrances that irritate sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic earrings are usually made from metals like surgical steel or titanium instead of nickel, which causes rashes for many people.

The term also describes certain dog and cat breeds that produce less of the proteins that make people sneeze and itch. A poodle or Portuguese water dog is considered hypoallergenic because they shed less dander (tiny flakes of skin) than other breeds, though no pet is completely allergy-free.

However, hypoallergenic isn't a guarantee. What bothers one person might be fine for another, since everyone's allergies are different. The label means the product reduces common allergens, not that it eliminates every possible reaction.