Buying a beauty product is not that difficult, understanding the label is easier said than done. How should you read a beauty product label?
Beauty label
All beauty brands are obligated to display their ingredients on the packaging. Some people don’t even bother reading the label before buying a product. Although this will actually help you find a more suitable product for your skin.
Active substances and excipients
Each skincare product consists of active substances and excipients. The active substances determine the effect of the product. Excipients are substances that support the product and determine the texture. Their function should not be underestimated because they control to what extent the active substances can do their work. Examples of excipients are anti-caking agents, binders, buffers, bulk agents, emulsifiers, dyes and preservatives.
A label does not differentiate between active ingredients and excipients, they are listed randomly. If you want to know what the product does, you should start by screening the active substances first.
It's good to know that the higher the ingredients are ranked in the list, the higher their concentration. So, you would like to see most active substances in the upper part of the list, with the exception of peptides, where a low concentration can be very effective. The preservatives and coloring agents are usually placed at the end of the list.
What are important active substances?
Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E (tocopherol, tocopherol acetate) should not be missing in your skincare. They protect your skin from free radicals and damage from stress factors.
Peptides are small proteins or parts of protein that stimulate the skin to make collagen, which helps to increase the firmness of the skin.
Skin lipids such as ceramics, phospholipids and cholesterol help support your skin barrier.
UV filters such as ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, zinc oxide, titanium dioxde, that protect against UVA and UVB.
Hyaluronic acid is an important ingredient and also a skin-identical substance. However, applying hyaluronic acid to the skin has a very different effect than hyaluronic acid that is injected under the skin. It stimulates wound healing, ensures better hydration of the skin and provides a nice anti-wrinkle effect.
Questions about skincare products?
Discover Dr. Barbara Geusens' tips about skincare products. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.
