How to Read a Skincare Label (and Actually Understand It)

It’s time to start buying skincare for you or your teen. But when you reach for a product and look at the label, it can feel overwhelming! What do all these ingredients mean? Are they safe? And how real are claims like “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist-tested”? 

Why Skincare Ingredients Matter

Your first reaction to seeing a plethora of unfamiliar words might be to just buy whatever is most popular, or cheapest. However, it’s important to know what you’re putting on your or your teen’s skin, especially when they are just starting out in skincare. Some ingredients can be too harsh and cause irritation, leading to long-term problems. Some products that sound natural can cause issues if they’re not properly dilute. On the other hand, some active ingredients and chemicals can damage skin when used too frequently.

Knowing Your Skin Type

It is also helpful to know what skin type you have so that you can better learn what ingredients are causing you grief. No skin is equal, and products that work for some people might not be good for another. If you don’t know what is in your skincare, it can take a long time to figure out what you need to adjust. Educating yourself on the products you use can save a lot of frustration!

If you already know your teen’s skin type, you’re a step ahead in finding the right products. Whether you’re working with sensitive, oily, dry, or combination, you can learn what ingredients are red flags for your skin type and avoid those ingredients when choosing products. 

The Skincare Label Blueprint 

The Basics

Skincare bottles contain a lot of information—bold claims, ingredients, directions, and more. On the front, you’ll usually find branding information and words like “hypoallergenic” and “dermatologist-tested”. Others may be labeled as “natural” or “non-toxic”. While oftentimes these claims can be accurate, it’s important to research the brand and its products to find out why and how they make those claims. These terms aren’t always well-regulated or clearly defined by the FDA, so companies can sometimes use them in misleading ways.

Next, you’ll find directions, manufacturer information, and any needed warnings, like “external use only”. The directions will help you understand exactly how to use the product, especially helpful if you are new to skincare. The manufacturer information can give you more of a clue as to how and where the product was made. This is helpful if you are looking for local or sustainable products.

Ingredient Hierarchy 

Now for the most important part: the ingredient list. This is where you can hone in on which product is the right one for you. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, meaning that the first ingredient is the highest amount and the last ingredient is the lowest amount. Generally, the first five ingredients are the most important, because the ingredients after are usually in small volume. Those first few ingredients have the biggest impact on how the skincare performs and how you will react, but remember that even the last few can potentially have an effect. 

What To Look For

Now it’s time to look at some of the specific ingredients and what they can do to your skin. Just remember, don’t go overboard! When starting out, most teens only need three basics: a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Girlyish Skincare’s Glowing Girly Routine is a great and simple option! As you get into your mid twenties and beyond, you can begin to incorporate more exfoliators and anti-aging serums—but it’s still important not to overload your skin.

Safe Skincare Ingredients

Look for ingredients such as water, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamides, and ceramides. Other great options for young or sensitive skin include aloe vera and chamomile extract. As you get older, retinols and retinoids, topical forms of Vitamin A, can be great in helping with exfoliation, as long as they are used in moderation. 

Ingredients To Avoid

There are many ingredients that can be irritating or disrupt hormones. Fragrance (or "parfum”) can mean a plethora of different chemicals and generally are not hormone safe. Similarly, dyes or ‘proprietary blends’ are vague and can be code for numerous ingredients, making it hard to trust products that list these. Heavy oils, such as coconut oil or lanolins, can clog pores and cause acne, especially problematic for already oily skin and sensitive skin that reacts to comedogenic ingredients. 

Skincare Confidence 

You don’t need a degree in science to make informed decisions for you and your teen’s skincare! Learning how to read labels and ingredient lists is all you need, and you’re already well on your way.