Understanding Cosmetic Ingredients: A Simple Guide
How are Cosmetics Regulated?
Choosing a product labelled "natural" doesn't guarantee its contents. However, learning to analyse cosmetic ingredients empowers you to avoid unwanted substances. This article will guide you through the process.
Every cosmetic undergoes rigorous evaluation: its composition, level of body contact, toxicological testing, application frequency and quantity are all assessed. Microbiological quality, stability, and dermatological tests are also conducted. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) monitors safety reports for cosmetics on the market. Contact the MHRA if you wish to verify a product's testing history.
Extensive requirements must be met for large-scale cosmetic production and sale. Stringent safety tests and complex legal procedures ensure product safety.
Are Preservatives Necessary in Cosmetics?
While some avoid preservatives, others are unaware of their presence. Cosmetics need preservatives to remain shelf-stable outside of refrigeration. Fortunately, safe, eco-friendly preservatives and ECO-CERT-approved components exist. ECO-CERT is a certification body verifying that ecological products meet European standards.
Examples of safe preservatives include:
- Benzyl alcohol
- Benzyl salicylate
- Benzyl benzoate
Using Apps to Check Cosmetic Ingredients
Apps like Cosmetic Scan simplify ingredient checks. Scan a product's barcode to view its description, highlighting potentially harmful ingredients, such as those unsuitable for pregnant women or allergens.
Another app, INCI Beauty, provides detailed ingredient lists by scanning barcodes or searching by product name or brand.
What to Look for in High-Quality Dermocosmetics
The trend towards natural and healthy products is positive. High-quality dermocosmetics use high-quality natural active ingredients. The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system lists these ingredients.
INCI is found on product packaging or leaflets. The EU uses standardised INCI names, facilitating ingredient checks regardless of purchase location.
Key INCI Principles:
- Ingredient order indicates concentration: Ingredients listed first are present in higher concentrations.
- Plant-based ingredients are in Latin: e.g., aloe extractum (aloe extract).
- Synthetic ingredients are in English: e.g., hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (a hyaluronic acid derivative).
Focusing on Key Ingredients:
- Extracts: e.g., Yeast Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract.
- Cold-pressed, unrefined oils: e.g., Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil), Oleum Lini (linseed oil), Coffea Arabica Seed Oil (coffee seed oil).
- Waxes and fats: e.g., Cera Alba (beeswax), Lanolin.
- Plant stem cells: e.g., Echinacea Angustifolia Meristem Cell Culture.
Choosing Natural Cosmetics
Shorter INCI lists are generally better. Prioritise natural ingredients listed at the beginning. Note that longer expiry dates often indicate more preservatives.
Consider your needs and choose products accordingly. Use apps to decipher ingredient lists.
Summary
Select products based on your skin and hair's needs, focusing on those with natural active ingredients listed prominently. Utilise apps for ingredient analysis.
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