One of the most popular questions that I am asked in my business is how to decipher the forever confusing cosmetic ingredient label. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receives many of these same questions each year requesting help deciphering both cosmetic and personal care product labels. While they empathize with customers, there really is no way to change the labeling and keep the information accurate. The ingredients are to be listed by their chemical names because that is, essentially, what they are. Unfortunately, not all companies adhere with this rule. Even though a product may be marketed by its trade name, this name will provide little clue as to the identity of the ingredients. Despite the technical language of the skincare product’s label, it is possible to glean some useful information.
Ingredients must be listed in sequence based on how much in included in the formula. As a consumer, you can compare similar products by seeing where a particular ingredient falls in the list. For example, if you have sensitive skin you may want to avoid some irritating alcohols that are listed in the first or second positions on the ingredients list. However, if those same ingredients fall down toward the end of the ingredients list, it may not aggravate you skin. Of course when it come to any harsh alcohol ingredients it is best to avoid them completely, regardless of any skin condition.
Carol Donnelly is a Licensed Esthetician at Dermal Solutions, which is located at 28073 Smyth Drive in Valencia.
Free, private consultations are available by appointment. For more information, please call 661-295-0027. You may also visit www.dermalsolutions.com or email ifixskin@sbcglobal.net.