How to Read Cosmetic Labels: The Importance of Reading Cosmetic Labels - Why You Should Take the Time to Learn
by Alice Zhang · Updated Jan. 25, 2023
With the ever-changing beauty industry, staying informed and educated on the products we use is essential.
Reading cosmetic labels is one of the best ways to learn about what’s in your products. Knowing the ingredients in your makeup, skincare, and haircare products can help you make better decisions regarding your beauty routine.
Knowing what’s in your cosmetics can also help you identify potential skin irritants or allergens that can cause reactions or breakouts. Reading labels can also help you avoid harsh chemicals, such as parabens, that can be damaging to your skin.
Taking the time to read the labels on your beauty products will help you make safer, healthier choices for yourself and your skin.
● What Are The Cosmetic Labelling Requirements in The USA?
● What Are The Labeling Requirements of Cosmetics Sold in Europe?
● How Does Cosmetic Contract Manufacturing Work?
● Understanding the Ingredient List/INCI List
● How Do I Decipher The Ingredient Names?
● Understanding the Ingredient List Order on Cosmetics
● How To Detect Fragrance & Flavor on Cosmetics Labels
● Understanding Chemical Names on Cosmetic Labels
● Understanding Symbols on Cosmetic Labels
● More Information to Learn
What Are The Cosmetic Labelling Requirements in The USA?
If you’re a cosmetic manufacturer in the United States, you’ll need to be aware of the labeling requirements for cosmetics. This is a critical part of your business, as it ensures that your products meet the standards the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set forth.
The FDA has strict rules and regulations concerning cosmetic labeling. These rules are designed to help consumers make fully informed decisions about their cosmetic purchases.
The labeling must be extremely accurate, easy to read, digest and provide crystal clear information about the product.
Here are some of the main labeling requirements for cosmetics in the US:
1. Product Name
The product’s common or usual name must be clearly stated on the label. This includes the product type, such as “lipstick” or “shampoo.”
2. Manufacturer Information
The manufacturer’s full name and address must be included on the cosmetic label. This allows consumers to directly contact the manufacturer if they have any questions, queries or concerns about the cosmetic product.
3. Ingredients List
A list of all the ingredients used in the product must be included on the label. This allows consumers to identify any possible allergens or other potential issues that might arise with the product.
4. Net Contents
The overall net contents of the product must be clearly stated on the cosmetic label. Depending on the product type, this includes weight, volume, or count.
5. Directions for Use
Directions must be included on the label to ensure that customers use the product correctly and safely.
6. Warnings & Cautions
Any potential health hazards related to using the product must be included on the label. This includes warnings about possible allergic reactions and other risks associated with using the product.
These are just some of the labeling requirements for cosmetics in the US. It’s really important to fully understand these labeling rules and to diligently follow them when creating your own cosmetic labels.
Doing so will help ensure that your products meet FDA standards and that customers have all the information they need to make the correct and informed decisions about their purchases.
What Are The Labeling Requirements of Cosmetics Sold in Europe?
The overall labeling requirements for all of the cosmetics sold in the US versus Europe are quite different.
In the US, cosmetic products must be labeled with a variety of information, including the product’s identity, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, net quantity of contents, directions for use, and a complete list of ingredients.
In Europe, however, the labeling requirements are more restrictive, as they require additional information, including warnings about potential health risks associated with the product, precautionary statements, and contact information for both the manufacturer or distributor and the importer.
All European cosmetic ingredients must be listed in descending order of concentration on the product label.
Additionally, certain hazardous ingredients must be listed in a special “Contains” section. This section must contain any ingredients identified as potential skin irritants or sensitizers, such as fragrances and preservatives.
Regarding safety and efficacy claims, the US does not require information other than a general purpose statement. In Europe, however, more specific claims must be made regarding the product’s intended purpose and performance. These claims must be backed up by scientific evidence and supported by an in-depth safety assessment.
Finally, in Europe, there are also restrictions on how products can be marketed. For instance, advertising should not make false or misleading claims about a product’s performance or safety.
Additionally, products must be clearly labeled with warnings about the potential health risks associated withthe products’ use.
All in all, cosmetics sold in Europe must adhere to much stricter labeling requirements than those sold in the US. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with both sets of requirements before selling cosmetics in either region.
Understanding the Ingredient List/INCI List
Understanding the Ingredient List/INCI List can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be!
Familiarizing yourself with the standard terms used in ingredient lists allows you to decode what’s inside a product quickly.
The Ingredient List, also known as the INCI List, is an international system manufacturers use to identify the ingredients in their products. The INCI List is usually found on the back of a product and is organized according to what percentage of the product each ingredient makes up.
How Do I Decipher The Ingredient Names?
The very first ingredient listed is the one that will make up the highest percentage of the product, and the last one is the one that makes up the least.
It’s really important to take note that INCI names can be challenging to understand. For example, water is listed as “Aqua,” and petrolatum (a type of mineral oil) is listed as “Petrolatum.”
In addition, some chemicals or compounds may be listed by their scientific name, such as “Glyceryl Stearate.” However, there are some resources readily available to assist you in decoding these sometimes unfamiliar terms.
One particularly good resource is called the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. This database provides detailed information about the safety and potential risks associated with the ingredients in various products.
It also provides definitions of unfamiliar terms and explains why certain ingredients may be beneficial or harmful.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to do your research on the ingredients in a product before you buy it.
This will help you ensure that you’re buying a product that contains safe and non-toxic ingredients appropriate for your skin type.
Understanding the Ingredient List/INCI List can seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of research and some basic knowledge of common ingredients, you can confidently decipher what’s inside any product you buy!
Understanding the Ingredient List Order on Cosmetics
The order of ingredients listed on cosmetics starts with the element that makes up the highest percentage of the product. The ingredients are then listed in descending order, from highest to lowest percentage.
This is done for a few reasons; it helps to keep the list shorter and easier to read, and it also helps to identify the significant ingredients in each product.
So if you’re wondering why something like water is listed first on your favorite moisturizer, it’s likely because it’s the main ingredient in the product.
Similarly, if you’re looking at an eyeshadow palette and want to know which color is more pigmented, the one listed first is likely the darkest because it has the highest concentration of color pigment. It’s super important to point out that the order of ingredients isn’t always set in stone.
It’s also worth mentioning that some products will have a separate “active ingredients” list, which will contain any active ingredients present in smaller proportions than the rest of the product.
Understanding the ingredient list order on cosmetics can help people make informed decisions about which products to buy and identify potential allergens or irritants that could cause a reaction. So the next time you pick up a beauty or skincare product, take a minute to look at the ingredient list and see what you can learn!
How To Detect Fragrance & Flavor on Cosmetics Labels
Detecting fragrance and flavor on cosmetics labels can be tricky, but knowing what is in your beauty products is essential.
Here are some clever tips to help you pick out fragrance and flavor indicators on labels:
1. Look for the words “Fragrance” or “Flavor” on the label.
These words are usually listed in the ingredients section of the label, so keep an eye out for them.
2. Check the list of ingredients for any scented or flavored oils, extracts, or other additives.
These will often have names like “rose oil,” “vanilla extract,” or “cinnamon powder.”
3. Look for words that indicate a scent or flavor, such as “scented,” “aromatic,” or “flavored.”
These words may also be included in the ingredients list.
4. Smell the product.
If you can smell a scent or flavor, then there is likely fragrance or flavor in the product.
5. Taste the product.
If you can taste a flavor, then there is likely flavor in the product. By following these crucial tips, you should be able to detect fragrance and flavor on cosmetics labels more quickly.
It’s important to be aware of what is in your beauty products, so it’s worth checking labels for fragrance and flavor.
Understanding Chemical Names on Cosmetic Labels
If you want to understand the finer details of a cosmetic label, start by understanding the chemical names. This can be daunting, but it’s more straightforward than it looks.
By familiarizing yourself with the chemical names, you can take control of the products you use and make sure they’re free from potentially harmful ingredients.
First and foremost, you should look for names that end with “-cone,” “-xane,” or “-siloxane.” These are all silicone-based compounds and can be used as emollients, emulsifiers, or lubricants.
Then there are the “paraben” compounds, commonly used as preservatives.
Finally, you should keep an eye out for phthalates, often used to make fragrances last longer. These compounds have been linked to hormone disruption, so it’s essential to avoid them when possible.
By being aware of the chemical names on a cosmetic label, you can ensure you’re not exposing yourself to potentially harmful ingredients.
Understanding Symbols on Cosmetic Labels
Reading cosmetics labels is essential to understanding what is in a product and how it is made. Knowing how to read cosmetics labels can help you make fully informed choices about the cosmetic products you use and their ingredients.
Here are some tips on how to read cosmetics labels to ensure you are selecting the best product for your needs.
- The first step in understanding a cosmetics label is to look at the product’s name and manufacturer. This valuable information can greatly help you determine if the cosmetic product is right for you. Once you have done this, look for any symbols on the label. These symbols can give you valuable insight into the product’s ingredients, manufacturing process, and safety. The most common symbol found on cosmetics labels is the “Fragrance-Free” symbol, which indicates that the product does not contain synthetic fragrances. The “Organic” symbol is also found on cosmetics labels and demonstrates that the product has at least 95 percent organic ingredients.
- Additionally, products labeled as “Natural” must meet specific guideline criteria established directly via the US Department of Agriculture. The “Cruelty-Free” symbol indicates that the product has not been tested on animals. The “Paraben-Free” symbol indicates that the product does not contain any parabens or preservatives that can irritate the skin.
- Finally, the “Non-GMO” symbol indicates that the product inside contains precisely no genetically modified organisms or derivatives. When you are looking for a new product, it is absolutely crucial to take the time to read the attached label and understand the symbols. Knowing how to read cosmetics labels can help you make informed decisions about the products you are using and ensure that they are safe and effective.
More Information to Learn
Skincare In The Australian Market
The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals contains almost 40,000 chemical elements that are produced or imported into the country for industrial purposes.
The website, services.industrialchemicals.gov.au, offers a searchable database of the mentioned chemicals, with the CAS Number 84650-60-2 as an example.
Furthermore, specific chemical components are forbidden in Australia, such as Parabens, Phthalates, and Methylisothiazolinone, Formaldehydes and Formaldehyde-releasing agents
The European Market
There is a searchable database for the European market that assists in ascertaining if the ingredients used comply with EU restrictions. It can look up the list of substances that are NOT PERMITTED in cosmetic products and the list of colorants and preservatives that are allowed in cosmetic products.
Standard Supermarket Retail Products
More than 35 significant stores, including
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Target
- Bed, Bath, and Beyond
- Costco
- CVS
- Staples
They will all require WERCS verification prior to them stocking your items.
What is WERCS?
WERCS stands for Worldwide Environmental Regulatory Compliance Solutions. It is a process by which manufacturers submit pertinent data regarding their products in order to obtain certification.
Retailers then utilize this information to gauge what requirements need to be fulfilled for shipping, handling, storing, and discarding WERC-certified items. It also helps retailers to meet their sustainability goals and adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
To complete the WERCS registration, certain documents must be supplied. These include an MSDS in English and French that meets the standards of DSG BR 3514 2/2012 (www.osha.gov), transportation information, product labels in English and French, and the email account of the brand company that is registered with WERCS.
The Sephora Clean Beauty Standard
In 2018, Sephora introduced its Clean Beauty Standard, a symbol on products sold in its online store to show that the item has met its standards for clean beauty.
The Clean at Sephora label only offers products free from more than 50 components linked to potential health risks.
These components include:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Mineral oil
- Formaldehyde
- Sulfates
- BHA
- Ethanolamines
- Toluene
- Carbon black
- Mercury and mercury compounds
- Aluminum salts
- Lead, and lead acetate.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the ingredient list on a cosmetic product is incredibly important for making informed decisions about your purchases.
The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) List is an international system used by manufacturers to identify the core and subsidiary ingredients in their cosmetic products.
The INCI List is usually found on the back of a product and is organized according to what percentage of the product each ingredient makes up.
For example, a product may contain “Aqua” as the first ingredient, meaning it makes up 33% of the product. The next ingredient would be “Dicapryl Ether,” which makes up 17% of the product, and the final ingredient listed would be “Paraffin,” which makes up 12% of the product.
Each chemical or compound will have a unique INCI name, which can be challenging to understand. Even if you are familiar with some of the more common chemicals, you may not know the substances listed on the product you’re shopping for.
This is where a little bit of research comes in handy!
It’s important to remember that the INCI List is not a regulatory listing, and not all ingredients must be listed. For example, only ingredients present in amounts equal to or greater than 15% of a product must be included in the INCI List.
If you have specific questions about a particular chemical that you’re concerned about, you can contact the manufacturer directly.