Turn over almost any skincare product and you will find a long list of ingredients, a few claims on the front and maybe some symbols you do not recognize. It can be confusing. The good news is that you do not need to understand every word to make thoughtful choices. A few basics go a long way.
This is general information. If you have a skin condition, allergies or sensitive skin, a dermatologist can help you choose products that suit you.
The Ingredient List
In the United States, cosmetic ingredients are generally listed in descending order of amount, with ingredients present at higher concentrations appearing first. Ingredients present at very low levels, often around one percent or less, may be listed in any order at the end.
Ingredients are usually listed using standardized names, which is why you will see terms like aqua for water or Butyrospermum parkii for shea butter. Those Latin and scientific names can look intimidating, but they are simply a consistent way of naming the same ingredient everywhere.
Common Terms on the Front of the Package
Many words on the front of a package are marketing language rather than regulated definitions. A few you will see often:
- Fragrance-free generally means no fragrance has been added for scent, though some ingredients may still have a natural smell.
- Unscented may mean the product has no noticeable smell, sometimes because a masking fragrance was added.
- Hypoallergenic suggests a product is less likely to cause reactions, but it does not guarantee you will not react.
- Non-comedogenic is used for products described as less likely to clog pores.
- Natural and clean have no single official definition.
When a term matters to you, look at the ingredient list rather than relying only on the front label.
Fragrance and Essential Oils
Fragrance can appear on a label as fragrance or parfum, which may represent a blend of many scent ingredients. Essential oils may be listed by their botanical names, such as Lavandula angustifolia oil. If you know your skin is sensitive to scent, choosing fragrance-free products is a common approach.
Expiration and Storage Symbols
Many products show a small open jar symbol with a number and the letter M, such as 12M. This is often called the period after opening symbol, and it suggests how many months a product is meant to be used after you open it. Some products also have a printed expiration date. Store products away from heat and direct sunlight, and close lids tightly.
Patch Testing New Products
Before using a new product on your face, consider a simple patch test on a small area, such as the inside of the arm or behind the ear, for a day or two. Stop using any product that causes redness, burning, itching or swelling.
Keep It Simple
You do not need a cabinet full of products. Many people do well with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen, adding other products only when they have a specific reason. Choosing fewer products also makes it easier to notice what your skin likes and what it does not.