How to Read a Skincare Ingredient List

Why the label matters more than the front of the box

The front of a package tells you what a brand wants you to notice. The ingredient list tells you what is actually inside. Learning to read it takes a few minutes and helps you avoid products that irritate your skin or do not match their claims.

Ingredients are listed by amount

In many countries, ingredients must be listed from the highest concentration to the lowest. Water is often first, because many creams and serums are water based. Ingredients present at 1 percent or less can be listed in any order, so do not read too much into the exact position of ingredients near the end.

If a product advertises a star ingredient but that ingredient sits at the very bottom of a long list, there may be only a small amount in the formula.

Common ingredient groups

These are some of the groups you will see most often:

• Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin.
• Emollients and oils such as squalane and shea butter soften and smooth.
• Occlusives such as petrolatum and dimethicone help seal in moisture.
• Exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid loosen dead skin cells.
• Sunscreen filters, listed as active ingredients, protect against UV light.
• Preservatives keep a product safe from bacteria and mold. Every water-based product needs them.

Check for your known triggers

If you know that certain ingredients bother you, such as fragrance or particular essential oils, scan for them by name. Fragrance may appear as parfum or fragrance. A product marketed as unscented can still contain ingredients that mask odor, so read the full list.

Patch test new products

Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm or behind your ear once a day for a few days before using a new product on your face. Stop using it if you notice redness, itching or swelling. If you have a skin condition or allergies, ask a dermatologist or doctor before trying new actives.