irritant
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈɪɹətənt// UK //ˈɪɹɪtənt// ir·ri·tant
n. a substance that causes a red, itchy, or painful reaction on your skin or in your eyes. It can also be a person or thing that makes you feel annoyed or angry.
n. a substance that causes inflammation or a physical reaction when it comes into contact with living tissue. In a figurative sense, it refers to a person or situation that causes annoyance or frustration.
The chemical is a common skin irritant that causes rashes.
The doctor warned that the new laundry detergent contains a powerful irritant that might affect sensitive skin.
While the physical irritant was easily removed, the psychological impact of the constant noise from the construction site lingered for weeks.
From French irritant, equivalent to irritate + -ant.