While choosing your basic skincare, do all those fancy terms on skincare product labels leave you confused? Words like ‘organic’, ‘natural’, and ‘clean’ sound appealing, but not all products live up to the claims. Knowing how to read skincare labels can help you make informed choices and ensure you pick genuinely natural skincare products. Let’s break it down in simple steps!

1. Check the Ingredients List First

A product that markets itself as ‘natural’ should have plant-based and mineral-rich ingredients. Look for recognisable components like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, or essential oils. If the list is full of chemicals like parabens, sulphates, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, the product might not be as natural as it claims.

2. Spot Hidden Chemicals in Fancy Names

Many brands use scientific names for synthetic chemicals, making it tricky to read labels in skincare. For instance, ‘sodium lauryl sulphate’ (SLS) is a harsh detergent, and ‘phenoxyethanol’ is a synthetic preservative. If you struggle to recognise an ingredient, a quick online check can help.

3. Look for Authentic Certifications

One of the easiest ways to identify natural skincare is by checking for trusted certifications like Ecocert, USDA Organic, or India Organic. These labels indicate that the product meets certain natural and organic standards. Be cautious of misleading ‘green’ logos that don’t belong to any certified body.

4. Avoid ‘Greenwashing’ Traps

‘Greenwashing’ is when brands use misleading marketing to appear eco-friendly. Words like ‘pure’, ‘botanical’, or ‘chemical-free’ might seem convincing, but they don’t always mean much unless backed by a clear ingredient list and certifications. Understanding skincare labels is key to seeing through these marketing tricks.

5. Know the Order of Ingredients

Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. If a product claims to contain aloe vera but lists it after preservatives and artificial fragrances, it’s likely present in a negligible amount. Decoding skincare labels helps determine if the star ingredient is actually playing a major role.

6. Be Wary of Artificial Fragrances and Colours

Natural skincare products derive their scent and colour from plant extracts, essential oils, or herbal infusions. If you see ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’ without a breakdown of what’s in it, the product likely contains synthetic chemicals.

7. Research the Brand’s Ethics

Authentic natural skincare brands are transparent about their ingredient sourcing, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices. Check the brand’s website or social media for more details on how their products are made.

8. Understand Expiry Dates and Storage Instructions

Since natural products often lack synthetic preservatives, they may have a shorter shelf life. Cosmetic labels usually mention how long the product stays effective after opening. Store them as recommended to maintain their potency.

9. Trust Brands That Prioritise Transparency

At Deyga, we believe in pure, handcrafted skincare that stays true to nature. Our products are made with high-quality, unrefined ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, so you never have to second-guess what’s in them!

Mastering the skill of decoding skincare labels will ensure that your beauty routine is genuinely natural and effective. Next time you pick up a skincare product, use these tips to make an informed, conscious choice!