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Reading a skincare ingredient list can be tricky, but it’s a powerful skill for understanding what’s in your products and whether they’ll work for your skin. Here's a breakdown to help you decode it like a pro:
๐งด 1. Ingredients Are Listed by Concentration (Mostly)
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The first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of the formula.
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Ingredients after about the 1% line (the point where concentrations drop below 1%) can be listed in any order, and often include preservatives, fragrance, or botanicals.
๐งช 2. Learn to Spot Key Ingredient Types
| Category | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Humectants | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea | Draw moisture into the skin |
| Emollients | Squalane, shea butter, ceramides | Soften and smooth skin |
| Occlusives | Petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin | Lock in moisture |
| Actives | Retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, salicylic acid | Target specific concerns (acne, aging, dullness) |
| Preservatives | Phenoxyethanol, parabens, ethylhexylglycerin | Prevent bacteria growth |
| Fragrance/Essential Oils | “Fragrance,” linalool, limonene | Add scent (may irritate sensitive skin) |
๐ 3. Red Flags (If You’re Sensitive):
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Fragrance/parfum
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Alcohol denat. (drying alcohol—not to be confused with fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl)
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Essential oils (like lavender, citrus, peppermint—natural but often irritating)
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Sulfates in cleansers (can be drying for some skin types)
๐ง 4. Check for Ingredient Strength (if listed):
Some products will list concentrations—like “Niacinamide 10%” or “Retinol 0.5%.” Higher isn’t always better! Start low and build tolerance.
๐ 5. Tools to Help:
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Use websites/apps like INCI Decoder, CosDNA, or EWG Skin Deep to analyze ingredients.
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Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic,” “fragrance-free,” or “pH-balanced” if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.