The labels of the skin care products are covered with jargon that can be confusing to understand. Although these words sound tricky, they carry important information about the product’s properties. It is only through these words you can know if a certain skincare product is ideal for your skin or not.
So, if you are new to skincare and find it difficult to understand the labels on skin care products, this blog is for you. Let’s dive right in!
Terms Labeled on The Best Skin Care Products
The coverings of the best skin care products usually contain the following terms:
Hypoallergenic
If a product is labeled as hypoallergenic, it is not likely to cause any skin allergies. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to look for this word on your skin care product packaging.
Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic skin care products are known for their ability to clog pores. Clogged pores can lead to the formation of comedones, raised acne-like bumps, that can be avoided by opting for skin care brands that provide non-comedogenic products.
Ophthalmologist-Tested
Several skin care brand use this label to claim that the skin care product is tested to be safe for the eyes. This is especially important for products that are used very close to the eyes, such as under-eye serums, mascara, kohls, kajals, eyeliners, etc. If you have sensitive or are prone to watery eyes, look for this word on the label.
Paraben-Free
Parabens are widely used in a wide range of skincare products and are essential for enhancing their shelf life and preventing microbial growth. While parabens are not that obnoxious, they can react with sunlight and may irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to sunburns, you may opt for skin care products with “paraben-free”.
pH-Balanced
This word means that the product is neither alkaline nor acidic and is ideal for maintaining the skin’s natural p-H levels. Looking for this term in the best skin care products is ideal for those who have too oily or dry skin.
Organic
This has become a buzzword in the realm of skincare products. Organic skin care products are so hyped because they contain naturally sourced ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals. However, one myth about “organic products” that people have is that they are 100% safe for the skin. In truth, even organic and natural skin care products can cause skin irritation if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. For example, most people are allergic to aloe vera.
Now that you have decoded the basics of skin care product labels, it is time to learn some additional information mentioned in the skin care product labels.
Types of Ingredients
The efficacy of skin care products is judged by how fast they provide the results without any side effects. This is made possible by combining certain ingredients known as active and inactive ingredients. Learning about these ingredients will help you make a smart purchase.
Active Skin Care Ingredients
You may have noticed that some of the best skin care products claim to improve skin quite rapidly. The products contain special ingredients known as “active ingredients”. Active ingredients work directly on the skin at the cellular level. They are used to minimize skin wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation effectively. They promote healthy cellular growth and help slow down skin aging (it could vary as per the primary benefit of the skincare product).
Since active ingredients are highly effective and potent, it is best to start with smaller amounts to avoid irritation. Also, it may not be safe to use active ingredients consistently for a very long time, such as retinoids, as their high potency may irritate the skin.
Examples of active ingredients in the best skin care products are:
- Propanediol
- Retinoids
- Glycolic acid
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
Inactive Skin Care Ingredients
Inactive skincare ingredients help support the function of the active ingredients, and they work rather slowly. These ingredients are mainly used for their emollient and skin-nourishing properties and long-term skin benefits. Their use proves beneficial, improving the overall health of your skin with minimum side effects. In a way, they are the quiet but reliable supporters of skin health. They also serve as good options when looking for natural skin care ingredients.
Examples of inactive ingredients in the best skin care products are:
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Shea butter
- Chamomile extract
- Coconut butter
- Olive oil
- Caffeine
- Castor oil
Wrap Up
It is important to know about the meaning of different terms that the skincare brands use on the skin care product labels to help you buy the best skin care products. These terms include hypoallergenic, organic, ophthalmologically tested, paraben-free, etc. In addition to that, you should also know about the type of ingredients, such as active or inactive, used in the formulation and their functions for skin health. Knowing about all of these things will help you bet on the right skin care product. However, one important thing to note is that despite the label information, the ingredients may still cause some irritation as per your skin’s sensitivity.
