How to read cosmetic labels and really know what you're using

Have you ever looked at the back of a cosmetic product and felt a little lost among long names, symbols, and percentages? Cosmetic labels contain valuable information about what you apply to your skin or hair, but it's not always easy to interpret at a glance.

The good news is that you don't need to be a cosmetics expert to learn how to read a label correctly. With a few simple tricks, you can identify the key ingredients, understand what each product is for, and make better choices based on your needs.

Why it's important to read cosmetic labels

Reading a cosmetic label helps you to:

• Knowing what ingredients it actually contains
• Avoid components that don't suit you.
• Choose products that are right for your skin or hair type
• Understand how and when to use each product
• Shop more consciously

It's not about analyzing every ingredient in detail, but about knowing what to look for .

The INCI: the list of ingredients you should know

In cosmetics, the list of ingredients appears under the name INCI ( International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients ). It is an international system that uses standardized names so that ingredients are recognizable in any country.

Quick trick for reading INCI

The ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. This means that the first ingredients on the list are those present in the largest quantity in the formula.

If an active ingredient you're interested in appears at the beginning, that's a good sign. If it appears at the end, its presence is less significant.

• The first five ingredients typically form the base of the product. These include water, oils, cleansing agents, and emollients.
• The main active ingredients —vitamins, acids, plant extracts, or moisturizing agents—usually appear in the middle of the INCI list. These are the ingredients that provide specific benefits to the skin or hair.
• Fragrance and preservatives are usually listed last. If you have sensitive skin, you should pay attention to these ingredients.

Many ingredients have long or unfamiliar names because they are written in Latin or their scientific name. This doesn't mean they are bad. For example, plant extracts are often listed with the Latin name of the plant, and oils are identified in the same way.

Important symbols that appear on labels

• The open jar symbol: indicates the PAO (Period After Opening), that is, the time you can use the product once opened (for example, 6M, 12M or 24M).
• The hourglass symbol: appears when the expiry date is less than 30 months.
• The recycling symbol: indicates whether the packaging is recyclable or contains recycled materials.

Natural, organic, or vegan? Learn to tell the difference.

These terms usually appear on the packaging, but it's important to understand them well:

• Natural : contains ingredients of natural origin, but does not mean that it is 100% natural.
• Organic : the ingredients come from certified organic farming.
• Vegan : contains no ingredients of animal origin.

It is always advisable to confirm this information on the label or in the product description.

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Quick tips for choosing the best cosmetics

• If you have dry skin , look for moisturizing ingredients such as oils, butters, or humectants.
• If you have oily skin, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.
• If you have sensitive skin, opt for shorter ingredient lists and avoid products with excessive fragrance.
• For hair , identify if the product is intended to hydrate, repair, or balance the scalp.

Don't obsess: learn to read without fear

Reading cosmetic labels doesn't mean analyzing every word, but rather understanding the essentials. Over time, you'll easily identify the ingredients that work best for you and make more confident choices.

Learning to read cosmetic labels is a way to take better care of your skin and hair. With a few tricks, you can make more informed choices, adapt products to your actual needs, and get the most out of every cosmetic.

At Perfume's Club you will find a wide selection of products with formulas for all skin types and needs, so that choosing is always easier and more accurate.