I've been suspicious of all so-called hypoallergenic pets ever since my husband first came face to face with his parents' ragdoll cat, Posey — an adorable fluffball of a kitten who, the breeder ... The Washington Post: Hypoallergenic pets may be only a myth, according to a study of 60 dog breeds Hypoallergenic pets may be only a myth, according to a study of 60 dog breeds Hypoallergenic, meaning "below average" or "slightly" allergenic, is a term meaning that something (usually cosmetics, pets, textiles, food, etc.) causes fewer allergic reactions. HYPOALLERGENIC definition: designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response, as by containing relatively few or no potentially irritating substances.

Understanding the Context

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean? "The term hypoallergenic means that a product is formulated to minimize the risk of causing allergic reactions," Garshick says. "However, it does not guarantee that the product is completely allergen-free." What Does Hypoallergenic Really Mean? An allergist takes a deep dive into whether there really is such thing as a hypoallergenic product or pet.

Key Insights

What does hypoallergenic mean? If you have allergies, you likely look for products marked “hypoallergenic” to avoid triggering an allergic reaction.