The beauty sector is flooded with myriad skincare products, all claiming to be of premium quality. To ensure we don’t get lost in this maze, it is crucial to read the product label before making a purchase. We roped in experts to share tips on how to pick the right skincare products
Understanding the components of skincare products is essential for ensuring their appropriateness and safety for individual skin needs. Photo Courtesy: iStock
- While marketing often emphasises a product`s positive aspects on the front label, the deta
- Understanding the components of skincare products is essential for ensuring their appropri
- We got experts to share tips on how to read skincare labels and make the right choice
The beauty market, especially for skincare products, is saturated with innumerable brands – each claiming to be skin-friendly. Even lip balms today come with SPF. Who knows how true these claims are and whether they are effective or not?
Have you ever thought of turning around skincare products to read their labels before trusting them for your face and body application? Skincare product label literacy is just as important as reading food labels to ensure the good health of your skin.
Besides, given that beauty brands fall under the category of luxury sector, most of the brands selling skincare products often sell them at premium prices. One simple branded lip balm or moisturising cream costs somewhere between Rs 600 to Rs 1,000. This makes it paramount for all skincare enthusiasts to learn how to read skincare product labels to truly understand if what they are paying for is worth the money or not.
“In the current market, there is a flood of cosmetics claiming to be natural. However, when it comes to skincare products, discerning their effectiveness is
crucial,” says Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, dermatologist, founder, Elements of Aesthetics, FDA-Approved Hair Growth Booster.
“Brand selection for skin care products is highly personal and subjective and depends on individual skin needs. Understanding the components of skincare products is essential for ensuring their appropriateness and safety for individual skin needs. It is a key step in identifying ingredients that might be allergenic or potentially harmful,” adds Dr Chytra V Anand, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and Indian beauty guru.
Learning to read skincare product labels
Besides speaking to skincare experts, Mid-day Online also roped in two skincare brands. Rajat Mathur, spokesperson, deputy general manager, The Body Shop India says, “Selecting skincare products necessitates a nuanced consideration of efficacy, ethical standards, and sustainability. Optimal choices encompass products crafted from responsibly sourced, natural ingredients, ensuring their alignment with individualised skin requirements while concurrently contributing to wider environmental preservation. Certifications, such as those attesting to vegan and cruelty-free standards, offer tangible evidence of a brand's ethical commitment.”
Expanding on this, Nidhi Govil, founder, Orive Organics, says, “Reading skincare product labels is crucial for making informed choices. While marketing often emphasises a product's positive aspects on the front label, the detailed ingredient list reveals the complete picture. Many harmful components may be concealed beneath attractive claims. By scrutinising labels, consumers can avoid deceptive marketing tactics, make choices aligned with their skin needs, and ensure the products they use contribute positively to their skincare routine.”
“Invest in products that align with your specific skin requirements. Labels indicating whether a product is non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive skin, or has been tested by dermatologists are particularly valuable for those with specific skin sensitivities,” says Anand.
Shukla further adds, “DGCI and CDSU adherence, along with QR codes, add authenticity and genuineness to labelled products. Thus, comprehensive label scrutiny aids in making informed skincare choices.”
Those with sensitive skin can opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to minimise irritation. Individuals with dry skin benefit from products containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, while those with oily skin should seek oil-free formulations.
Here are a few ways to go about reading the labels of skincare products as suggested by the experts.
1. Check for certifications: Prioritise products with reputable certifications like vegan, cruelty-free, or environmental standards. Given the industry's loose use of the term ‘sustainable,’ seeking certifications from third-party organisations like The Vegan Society and B Corporation provides consumers with robust assurance. These certifications evaluate a brand's social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring a genuine commitment to sustainability.
2. Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with common skincare ingredients, understanding their benefits and potential drawbacks. This knowledge empowers consumers to make informed choices tailored to their skin needs.
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