Contents
The label is needed not only so that you can see the names of the product and the brand that released it. It contains a lot of useful information, from the expected effect and the list of active ingredients to (sometimes) test results.
Packing material
Before reading the label, pay attention to where the product is stored.
Glass
A completely inert material that does not chemically react with the contents and is the preferred packaging option. But the glass is quite heavy, breaks easily and, most importantly, is not cheap. Therefore, in glass jars and bottles, mainly expensive products are produced.
For example:
anti-wrinkle day cream for firming Rénergie Multi-Lift от Lancôme;
serum Powercell Skinmunity by Helena Rubinstein.
Hint: if the glass is dark, it means that the product contains a lot of natural components that must be protected from exposure to light.
Plastic
Most of the funds are produced in plastic. By the way, he is also quite inert. Ideally, the packaging should be hermetically sealed and sealed with foil prior to opening to minimize contact with air, thereby providing the conditions necessary for storage.
Aluminum
The cheapest type of packaging. It necessarily requires a special coating or lamination that protects the contents from contact with metal. If the cream comes into contact with aluminum, it will deteriorate.
All ingredients on the label are listed in accordance with international requirements – in descending order.
Dispenser
This device limits the contact of the product with air and bacteria, so it will be stored longer.
The composition of the face cream
All ingredients on the label are listed in accordance with international requirements – in descending order of their content in the product. First, the main components, and at the very end – those that make up 1% or less. The main composition can be divided into four groups.
The base is made up of fats and emulsifier, which helps keep the texture uniform.
Biologically active additives (vitamins, hyaluronic acid, etc.). For example, in a night cream Liftactiv Collagen Specialist from Vichy these are biopeptides and eperulin extracted from legumes;
And in face cream “Hydration Expert” by L’Oréal Paris – vitamin B5 and ceramides.
Preservatives. Thanks to them, cosmetics last longer.
Fragrances. Some ingredients have a specific, sometimes quite unpleasant smell, and to remove it, perfume compositions are added to creams.
Common symbols and inscriptions:
man with a basket this sign encourages you to throw away the packaging only in the places intended for this;
circle with arrow reports that the cost of a tube or jar includes a disposal fee;
open jar with number indicates how long the cream is stored after opening the package;
alcohol free means that there is no ethyl alcohol in the composition of the product, but, for example, stearic or lanolin alcohols may well be in it;
“non-comedogenic” — during the tests it was proved that the product does not clog pores;
“tested under dermatological control” – volunteers were invited to test the product, and the test results were evaluated by dermatologists.
Components you would like to ask about
Some people think that the more obscure the name of the ingredient, the more risks associated with it, especially for sensitive skin. Common sense tells us that it makes no sense for manufacturers to add something superfluous and even more dangerous to cosmetics. It’s not in their interest.
Propylene Glycol – a frequent guest in the composition of moisturizers, retains moisture well. It also serves as a solvent for many substances and is used when these components are introduced into the cream.
Triethanolamine often used in cosmetics for delicate, sensitive skin. Regulates its acid-base balance.
Parabens (parabens) effectively prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria, prolonging the shelf life of cosmetics. Their harm to health can be considered perhaps the most enduring myth. The world’s most stringent regulatory agency, the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), recognizes them as absolutely safe for use in cosmetics.
Tryclosan – a popular and effective antibacterial component in the composition of products for problem skin.
Preservatives (preservatives), without them, cosmetics will be stored for no more than 2 weeks. Preservatives include Benzylalcohol DHA, Potassium Sorbate, Grapefruit seed oil, NataPres. However, we have a separate article devoted to preservatives.
Alcohol denat, i.e. ethyl alcohol, more commonly found in cleansers and lotions for combination to oily skin. Slightly dries out rashes, tightens pores and performs antibacterial functions.