Read a List of Cosmetic Product Ingredients



Introduction

When you buy cosmetic products, the list of ingredients can seem like a real headache. However, knowing how to read and understand this list is essential to choose products that are suited to your needs, avoid unwanted ingredients and ensure the effectiveness of the active ingredients present. In this article, we will give you simple tips to decode the list of ingredients of your cosmetics and make informed choices.

1. Understand the Order of Ingredients

The list of ingredients of a cosmetic product is always presented in a specific order. According to the regulations, the ingredients must be listed in descending order of concentration. This means that the first ingredients mentioned are the most abundant in the formulation.

Trick :

• First Ingredients : The ingredients listed first make up the majority of the product. For example, if water (aqua) is listed first, it means the product is primarily water.
• Ingredients after fragrance : Ingredients listed after the word "fragrance" are usually present in minute amounts, often less than 1% of the total. This often includes preservatives and some active ingredients.

2. Identify Key Assets

Key active ingredients are the ingredients that are supposed to provide the benefits promised by the product, such as hydration, anti-aging, or sun protection. To be effective, they must be present in sufficient quantities.

Trick :

• Position in the list : If an active ingredient (for example, hyaluronic acid or vitamin C) is mentioned in the first positions, this indicates that it is probably well dosed and therefore potentially effective. If the active ingredient is at the end of the list, it may be underdosed and will not provide the expected benefits.

3. Beware of “Marketing” Ingredients

Some products proudly display trendy or natural ingredients on their packaging, but these may be present in negligible quantities.

Trick :

• Greenwashing : Be wary of products that promote a natural or innovative ingredient, but place it at the end of the list. This may indicate that the ingredient is there for marketing reasons rather than for real effects on the skin.

4. Recognize the Conservatives

Preservatives are essential to ensure the safety and shelf life of cosmetic products. They prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in the product. However, some consumers prefer to avoid certain controversial preservatives.

Trick :

• Common Preservatives : Commonly used preservatives include phenoxyethanol, parabens, and sorbates. These ingredients are usually placed toward the end of the list.
• Avoid irritants : If you have sensitive skin, avoid products that contain potentially irritating preservatives, even in small amounts.

5. Decoding Complicated Names

Ingredient lists are often written in "INCI" (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), a technical language that can seem obscure.

Trick :

• Ingredient research : Use dedicated apps or websites to quickly check the nature and function of an ingredient that seems complicated or unknown to you.
• Natural Ingredients : Plant-derived ingredients are usually listed by their Latin name, followed by their form (e.g., Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice for aloe vera leaf juice).

6. Understanding Fragrances and Allergens

The term "parfum" or "fragrance" refers to a complex mixture of odorous substances. Unfortunately, this term does not detail the exact composition, which can be problematic for people with allergies.

Trick :

• Allergens to watch out for : Some potential allergens must be mentioned in the INCI list when they exceed a certain threshold, even if they are present in a fragrance. These include limonene, linalool, and geraniol.
• Avoid surprises : If you are sensitive to fragrances, choose fragrance-free products (often indicated as "fragrance-free" or "sans parfum").

7. Don’t Get Fooled by Underdosing

A product may contain many beneficial ingredients, but if they are present in very small amounts, their effectiveness is reduced.

Trick :

• Overall Analysis : Read the ingredient list as a whole to assess whether important actives are well placed. Be wary of formulations where active ingredients are relegated to the end of the list.
• Specific products : For serums and specific treatments (such as anti-aging products), always check the position of the active ingredients. These should be among the first ingredients to ensure their effectiveness.

8. Familiarize Yourself with Filling Ingredients

“Filler ingredients” are substances added primarily to provide texture, stabilize the formula, or reduce costs. They generally do not provide any benefits to the skin.

Trick :

• Most common : Water, silicones (like dimethicone), and base emollients (like glycerin) are often used as fillers. While they are not harmful, it is good to know that their function is primarily cosmetic.

9. Avoid Potentially Harmful Ingredients

Some controversial or potentially irritating ingredients are still used in cosmetics, although their safety is debated.

Trick :

• Ingredients to avoid : Some ingredients you may want to avoid include parabens (preservatives), phthalates (often found in fragrances), and sulfates (foaming agents). If you have specific concerns, look for products formulated without these substances.

Conclusion

Reading and understanding a cosmetic product ingredient list can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll quickly become an informed consumer. By keeping in mind the tips shared in this article, you’ll be better equipped to choose products that actually meet your needs and avoid those that don’t live up to marketing claims. Take the time to analyze ingredient lists, and don’t be afraid to do additional research on ingredients you’re not familiar with. Your skin and hair will thank you!