Decoding Beauty Labels Could Save Your Skin From Common Mistakes

It is essential to focus on the actual information provided on a product label, rather than being influenced by superlative marketing claims of ‘instant results’. Carefully examine the list of active ingredients and their concentrations, as these determine the product’s effectiveness for your specific skin concerns.

The Basics

A beauty product label can be broadly divided into two parts. Front of Pack (FOP) that displays the brand name, product type, visual elements, and key claims (like ‘hydrates skin’ or ‘paraben-free’). “Back of Pack (BOP), legally referred to as the Principal Display Panel, contains essential information including product description and classification, safety or precautionary statements, full ingredient list (in descending order of concentration), manufacturing date, batch number, and expiry date, as well as the manufacturer’s address and license number, apart from the price,” says Shoibal Pattanaik, Research & Development Head, (Streax / Streax Professional Skin).

Reading a beauty product label is much like reading a food nutrition label. Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, so the first five to seven ingredients typically make up the bulk of the product. “Familiarising yourself with INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) terms is helpful, but more importantly, look for transparency,” adds Gaurav Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Naturo & Orgo, a Manufacturing Unit of Khadi Natural Healthcare.

Quantification matters

If a brand is honest and clear about their ingredients list, they will not attempt to conceal these actives in any way — they will describe how to use them in a more conscious manner. Radhika Mukhija, Founder, The Bare Bar, says, “If a product claims to contain something mighty (like rosehip oil or tea tree extract) and the extract appears near the end of the ingredient list, chances are you are being offered more hype than benefit. The top five to six ingredients are what you mostly apply to your skin. Everything else is there in trace amounts.”

Ingredient fix

Choose ingredients based on your skin’s specific needs; for example, salicylic acid and niacinamide for acne, retinol for wrinkles, and hyaluronic acid or ceramides for hydration. “However, simply having these ingredients on the label isn’t enough; their concentration matters significantly. Active ingredients should be present in clinically effective concentrations to deliver real benefits to the skin, rather than being added in minimal amounts just for the sake of appearance on the label,” says Vipin Sharma, General Manager, Training and Product Development, FCL Skincare. Ingredient listing is done based on the concentration of said item within the product. “This simply means the ingredient that makes up most of the product will be listed higher up, so if a beneficial component is listed far down, it probably entails that its concentration is very low. However, there’s a catch because some components only work at a certain percentage, in which case they would be listed lower, which is why it’s important to read the ingredient list while cross-checking the facts and figures,” advises Bansari Kothadia, Founder, Unrivalled.

Additive angle

Good additives include natural humectants like glycerine, emollients like shea butter, and antioxidants such as vitamin E or green tea extract. On the flip side, watch out for sulphates, parabens, phthalates (DEP), formaldehyde releasers, and artificial dyes—these can be harsh on skin and the environment.

Anirudh, Founder, Put Simply, explains, “Good additives would include preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin in safe concentrations, texture enhancers/stabilisers such as xanthan gum and carbomer, and pH adjusters such as citric acid and sodium hydroxide. Bad additives would include fragrances/perfumes, including natural fragrances and essential oils; harsh preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and drying alcohols such as ethanol and alcohol denat; and artificial dyes and colourants.”

Watch out

Identifying potential allergens and irritants in skincare is key to avoiding reactions like redness, itching, breakouts, or dermatitis. “Look for certified labels like Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Cruelty-Free, or Vegan. These certifications can give you confidence that the product adheres to specific standards. If you're unsure how a product will react with your skin, patch test it on a small area first to ensure there’s no irritation or allergic reaction. Ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids can be very beneficial but should be used carefully. Too much exfoliation can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity,” says Saloni Anand, Co-Founder, Traya.

Jeevan Kasara, Director & CEO, Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., adds, “Using expired items can endanger your skin or be irritating. Look for signs such as ‘6M’ or ‘12M’. These indicate how many months a product is valid for once it has been opened. Products that claim to have fewer ingredients are easier on the skin.”

So, the next time you are grabbing a skincare product, hit the pause button, read, and shine on.

news