How to Read Product Labels Like a Pro

Understanding product labels is your first line of defense against potentially harmful ingredients. Here's how to decode them like a professional:

The Basics of Ingredient Lists

In most countries, ingredients must be listed in descending order of concentration. This means the first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product, while those at the end may be present in very small amounts.

However, ingredients that make up less than 1% of the product can be listed in any order, and certain ingredients (like fragrance components) can be lumped together under umbrella terms.

Common Misleading Terms

1. "Natural"

There's no regulated definition of "natural" in the cosmetics industry. A product labeled as natural might contain as little as 1% natural ingredients, with the rest being synthetic.

2. "Fragrance-Free"

This doesn't necessarily mean the product has no scent. It often means no fragrance has been added specifically to create a pleasant smell, but the product may contain masking fragrances to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients.

3. "Hypoallergenic"

This term suggests that a product is less likely to cause allergic reactions, but there are no specific testing requirements or standards that a product must meet to use this claim.

4. "Dermatologist-Tested"

This only means that a dermatologist tested the product—not that it passed any specific test or was found to be good for your skin.

Decoding Scientific Names

Many ingredients have complex scientific names that can be intimidating. Here's a quick guide to some common ones:

• Tocopherol - This is simply Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant
• Sodium Chloride - This is table salt, often used as a thickening agent
• Ascorbic Acid - This is Vitamin C, used for its antioxidant properties
• Sodium Hyaluronate - A form of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizing factor

Red Flags to Watch For

When scanning an ingredient list, be particularly cautious of:

• Ingredients ending in "-paraben" (preservatives with potential hormone-disrupting effects)
• PEGs (polyethylene glycols) which can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane
• "Fragrance" or "Parfum" (can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals)
• Ingredients containing "eth" in their name (may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane)
• BHA and BHT (synthetic antioxidants with potential endocrine-disrupting effects)

Certification Logos Worth Trusting

Look for these certifications, which have strict standards:

• USDA Organic - Products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients
• COSMOS Organic - European standard for organic and natural cosmetics
• EWG Verified - Products meet the Environmental Working Group's strict criteria
• Leaping Bunny - Certifies that no animal testing was conducted

Using Technology to Your Advantage

Reading labels can be overwhelming, which is why apps like Sanily are invaluable. Instead of memorizing hundreds of potentially harmful ingredients, you can simply scan a product and get an instant analysis of what's inside.