Whenever you are in the market to shop for your favourite beauty products, checking the beauty product labels and the product information is a crucial step to select the right product for you.
We are often tempted to spend money on beauty products just because they are new in the market or they are being endorsed by our favourite celebrities. It’s important to go beyond that and know what goes into your skin and ultimately, your whole body. Beauty labels come to your rescue to give you an insight into what the product’s composition is; and whether the product is suitable for your skin.
Table Of Content
- Beauty Product Labels that would help you choose the best beauty products:
- Natural/Organic
- Clean
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-Comedogenic
- Parfum
- Fragrance Free
- Sulfate Free
- Paraben-Free
- Broad-Spectrum
- PAO
- Vegan
Beauty Product Labels of the Best Beauty Products
To help you decode the labels on your beauty products, we’ve listed down some of the top phrases, words and ingredients which would help you navigate the world of cosmetics; so that you can choose the best beauty products for yourself.
1. Natural/Organic
This is probably the most exploited word in the world of cosmetics For cosmetics, there is no legal concept of organic or natural claims. If a product is labeled as ‘natural’ it will generally mean that at least some natural ingredients have been used in the formula. But there’s a con to this. A product may be labeled organic even though it only contains 1 percent of organic ingredients and a huge percentage of synthetic ingredients.
If you are looking for a product that is completely natural, make sure it’s labeled 100% natural. This means there are absolutely no synthetic ingredients.” In addition, the products which are 100% natural might also include a certified logo.
2. Clean
Clean is a term commonly used to define a form of beauty product that is produced without potentially harmful or skin-irritating ingredients. The terms “clean” and “natural” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re two different concepts.
Clean ensures that the drug does not cause damage or discomfort to the body and can contain both natural and synthetic ingredients. Natural also implies that the products are not artificially manufactured and do not include harmful chemicals.
3. Hypoallergenic
Look for skincare and beauty items that are labelled hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin, because they are likely to produce fewer allergic reactions. Having said that, if your skin is prone to allergic reactions;
Then it’s advised to perform a patch test of the product on the inside of your wrist or consult a dermatologist before applying it on your skin. The term “hypoallergenic” is not regulated by the FDA and does not guarantee that you will not experience an adverse effect.
4. Non Comedogenic
It is generally advised by dermatologists to invest in non-comedogenic products if you have oily skin, or are prone to breakouts. Anyone who is vulnerable to acne, blackheads or whiteheads can use non-comedogenic products.
“It ensures the drug does not include chemicals that may clog up your pores and worsen your skin condition. Non-comedogenic is an umbrella term that includes a variety of products like sunscreens, face washes, moisturizers and even some makeup products.
5. Parfum
If you look at your set of perfumes, you can find the term “parfum” inscribed on the bottles. So, basically; parfum is the latin word for perfume.
Since the FDA does not allow cosmetic producers to reveal each fragrance separately, the term parfum or fragrance could stand for a variety of fragrant ingredients, both synthetic and natural.
6. Fragrance Free
Fragrance means a smell that has been added to a product. Fragrance-free means that no additional fragrance has been added to a formula, but the product may still be scented with the smell of other ingredient.It is advised to opt for products that do not contain fragrance as an active ingredient as they won’t cause any allergies to your skin.
7. Sulfate Free
Another important beauty label to look out for in your beauty products is sulfate free. Sulfates are aggressive detergents Surfactants break down friction of the surface and split the molecules which produce lather. They are found in a variety of products such as shampoos, shower gels and toothpaste. Sulfates are also known as – sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium Laureth sulphate (SLES) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
Sulphates are believed to cause skin irritation specifically in the scalp. Additionally, SLS mimics oestrogen levels that may disrupt hormones if used and consumed in large amounts. Dermatologists advise using sulphur free products that have a much lower foaming level.
8. Paraben-Free
While shopping for beauty products, you may have come across a very frequently used beauty label – “paraben-free.” Paraben-free means that a product has been formulated without a paraben preservative.
But, what are parabens and why should we be cautious of them. Paraben is short for parahydroxybenzoate and is usually listed as a cosmetic ingredient like butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben or isobutylparaben.
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. There’s a big downside to them just like sulfates, they are also believed to mimic oestrogen levels and interrupt the hormone function thereby, leading to breast cancer.
9. Broad-Spectrum
Going sunscreen shopping? Make sure you pick a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen. A broad -spectrum sunscreen protects you against both UVA and UVB rays,” UVA rays can age your skin prematurely, triggering wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, whereas UVB rays can burn your skin.
“You need a good quality broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. too much exposure to both types of UV rays can lead to skin cancer.
10. PAO
Another significant logo to search for is the PAO symbol — or period-after-opening sign. It would have the letter “M” in bold with a number next to it. The number reflects the expiry date of the product after it was first opened. For example: If you open a package called “6 M,” you have to use it for 6 months until it is deemed to have expired.
11. Vegan
If a product has a certified cruelty-free logo printed on its label, it doesn’t mean it’s vegan. There’s a huge difference between cruelty free products and vegan products. Both of these logos certify that a product is formulated with vegan ingredients.
Additionally, cruelty free products do not contain animal products or by-products but can be tested on animals. And for a product to be considered vegan, it also should not contain animal products or by-products but it can be tested on animals.
Also read: Beauty Products You Must Always Keep In Handbag
