How to Read Cosmetic Labels

Generally, all the information can be grouped into four categories:

1. Product Identity

• brand name (ie. ACME) and descriptive name (Face Cream) of the product
• legal name of their company, their address, and the country in which the product was produced

2. Product Description, Features, Benefits, Usage Instructions

• read this info carefully to understand what the manufacturer is really saying
  • ie. Eliminates the look of fine lines and wrinkles” does not mean it eliminates lines and wrinkles; just the look of lines and wrinkles.
  • always read any warnings and special instructions to determine if the product is contraindicated for certain skin types, ages or conditions

3. Product Ingredients

• ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration using the scientific name
• remember that some ingredients, such as Fragrance, are “catch all” terms for groups of ingredients

4. Weights and Measures:

• size of the product, typically measured in volume
• other important product information symbols on labels:
  • i.e. expiry information, recycling classification or packaging information