A most confusing thing for a consumer probably would be to read and understand the labels on the cosmetic products where the ingredients are mentioned. Decoding labels is not easy, as not all people are aware of all the ingredients. The complex words make them more confused, and it results in a bad choice of selecting cosmetic products for them. So, let’s make this complex and confusing part simpler with this blog, where you will be able to decode the labels mentioned on the cosmetic products.
Decoding Labels: Understand How to Read and Understand Cosmetic Ingredients
To understand cosmetic ingredients, it is better to get more comfortable with the key sections found on a cosmetic product’s packaging. This will help you to decode labels, as this is the first step in order to read or understand cosmetic labels effectively.
- Product Marketing and its claims: You have probably noticed that most of the brands designed their cosmetic products to attract the consumer's attention. To attract consumers, they usually mention some phrases like “anti-aging”, “hydrating”, or “brightening” in front of the product packaging. These claims are subject to the regulation of marketing strategies. The real information is present on the back of the product, and understanding how to read a cosmetic label becomes a challenging step for consumers.
- Net Quantity: This information is mentioned to state the product’s net content. This information is either present in volume (in ml) or weight (in grams/ounces). This simple yet essential information helps consumers know about the product quantity.
- PAO (Period After Opening) Symbol: This small open-jar icon with a number followed by the letter ‘M’ (e.g., 12M) is used to indicate the life span of the products. With such information, the consumer will understand how many months the product remains effective and safe to use. Whenever you open the product seal, make sure to use them before this number to prevent bacterial growth and maintain product integrity.
- The INCI List: This means that all cosmetic products must have the product ingredients listed by this means, as encouraged by law. It is the official and internationally harmonized list of ingredients. The list is a trustworthy source of knowledge about the composition of the product, which is critical in the process of decoding skincare labels.
Decoding Labels of Common Ingredients.
It is not easy to understand the jargon associated with cosmetic ingredients. This information is, however, essential to classify ingredients according to their purpose.
- Humectants: Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, and Urea are ingredients that assist in the attraction and the binding of water to the skin.
- Emollients: These consist of the hydrating products that moisturise the skin. This contains oils and lipids that make the skin smooth and soft and fill in between the skin cells. Well-known emollients include Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, and Dimethicone.
- Occlusives: They assist in moisture loss prevention as they form a protective layer on the skin barrier. They are generally present in the fatter creams and contain such ingredients as Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, and Lanolin.
- Active ingredients: This category comprises ingredients that are formulated to take care of certain skin concerns. These ingredients can be Salicylic Acid (Beta-Hydroxy Acid) to provide exfoliation, Niacinamide to provide barrier support and brightening, and Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Read and Understand Cosmetic Ingredients
Question 1. What are the ways to identify the difference between effective active ingredients and a filler?
Answer: To recognize the difference between an effective active ingredient and a filler is actually not as complex as you think. The effective active ingredients are generally mentioned with their scientific names, such as Salicylic Acid or Ascorbic Acid. While a filler, or “excipient”, may contain a long and scientific-sounding name. Their primary role in cosmetics is to stabilize the formula, not to deliver a key benefit to the skin. The INCI list is the primary clue that shows professional labeling.
Question 2. Is alcohol good for skin? Why do some product formulations contain alcohol?
Answer: The term “alcohol” mentioned on the label actually refers to the different compounds of alcohol. Alcohol is not directly used in cosmetics; they are used in its different forms. Drying alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which cannot be suitable for your skin, as they may irritate your skin. However, any other form of alcohol, like fatty alcohol, like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, is a hydrating agent which is beneficial for your skin. It helps to keep your skin moisturized and stabilize formulations. It is essential to understand the context of the product ingredient while purchasing.
Question 3. Why are cruelty-free symbols used on the product packaging?
Answer: A cruelty-free symbol on the product packaging signifies that the product and its ingredients are not tested on animals. This ensures the product quality. Many countries have already banned such testing of cosmetic ingredients on animals. However, the cruelty-free symbols are not always officially regulated, and thus, many brands misuse this symbol to gain consumer attention.
Question 4. How can I know whether my cosmetic product is non-comedogenic or not?
Answer: When something is mentioned on the product packaging related to non-comedogenic, then it indicates that the product contains some ingredients that are less likely to clog pores. However, if someone wants to know whether their product is truly non-comedogenic or not, they should read the labels mentioned on the back of cosmetic products. It is always best to carefully review the ingredients before purchasing and check the formulation to see whether any non-comedogenic ingredients like waxes, oils, and silicones are present.
Question 5. Why are people often concerned about parabens?
Answer: Parabens are considered to be a subset of preservatives, like Methylparaben and Propylparaben. They are widely used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth and are usually considered by regulatory bodies. However, due to increasing awareness among people about cosmetic ingredients, there has led to an increase in demand for paraben-free products.
