What To Know About Ingredient Labels

I’m always telling you to read the ingredient lists on all of your skincare and cosmetic products. That got me thinking about the how and the why.

Sure, you know to be on the lookout for certain ingredients… and if not, you can start here or her.

But I decided maybe shedding a bit more light on the topic would be worthwhile. 

First things first. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest based on the amount of the ingredient - or the concentration, if you will - that is in the product. 

This can be a negative on two fronts. It’s a negative when one of the ingredients we are avoiding shows up in the first half of the ingredient list. It’s also a negative when one of the ingredients the product claims to include for your benefit is listed in the second half of the ingredient list - meaning there probably isn’t enough in there to give you the benefits you’re looking for. 

One important note - and a myth we need to lay to rest - the ability & ease of pronouncing an ingredient actually has nothing to do with its hazardous level. To put it best, a hard to pronounce ingredient is not a hazard indicator. 

Also, plant derived ingredients are (more often than not) listed by their Latin names and that is usually in two words. Look for two word ingredients that include a parathenese (translation). 

Next, you cannot trust packaging. That means both luxury looking packaging and immediate claims being made on it. 

Why? Because a stamp that claims to be “Paraben Free” is also a stamp that is not regulated. Therefore, it could be a lie due to there being no consequences to an inaccurate claim here. 

Same goes for a stamp that says “Formulate with organic ingredients”. 

Check the back list always.

One badge you can trust is Leaping Bunny. That means the product is created without testing on animals - making it cruelty free. These products are also (bonus) found to be more gentler. So sensitive skin folks may want to focus here. 

A few final tips. 

If you see a number followed by “M” (6M or 12M), that is an indicator of how long the product is good (or stable) once opened and any seal is broken. 

If you’re ever unsure about an ingredient or product, use these resources:

• Skin Deep database

• EWG Healthy Living app

• Think Dirty app

• Safe Cosmetics website

• Toxic Beauty

Guess what I’m gonna say now…

Read your ingredient labels.

Choose you. Choose safer.