Decoding Skincare Labels: Understanding Ingredients For Better Choice

Understanding these ingredients is pivotal for making well-informed choices when it comes to your skin.

Decoding skincare labels (Representational Image)

Source : Getty

Navigating through lengthy lists of complex scientific names in skincare products can be perplexing, especially for newcomers to skincare. Understanding these ingredients is pivotal for making well-informed choices when it comes to your skin. According to Akash Wadhwa, who is the founder of Bail Naturals, "Understanding skincare labels is like deciphering a secret code to unlock the best version of your skin. Each product you apply should tell a story, a story of nurturing and enhancing your natural beauty. By decoding skincare labels, you empower yourself to make informed choices that cater to your skin's unique needs. It's about recognizing the beneficial ingredients from the harmful ones, for examplethat  going for natural or dermatologically advised ingredients over harsh chemicals, and embracing a skincare routine that is not only effective but also sustainable."

Dr. Batul Patel, who is a Celebrity Dermatologist, Founder & Medical Director of The Bombay Skin Clinic shared five commonly misused ingredients and the concerns associated with them:

1. Alcohol Denat (Denatured Alcohol): Often found in toners or acne treatments, it can strip the skin's natural barrier leading to dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
  
2. Mineral Oil: While used as a moisturising agent, it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) and isn't ideal for those with acne-prone skin.
  
3. Fragrance/Perfume: A common culprit behind allergic reactions, this broad term can mask numerous chemicals, potentially leading to redness, itching, and inflammation.
  
4. Lemon/Citrus Extracts: Often marketed for brightening, they can be highly sensitising when exposed to sunlight, risking irritation and even hyperpigmentation.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Found in cleansers for its foaming property, SLS can be too harsh, stripping natural oils and causing dryness or sensitivity.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Skincare Products

Malini Adapureddy, who is the Founder & CEO of Deconstruct shared the following:

1. Beware of Marketing Hype: Skincare products often employ buzzwords like "natural," "organic," or "hypoallergenic" to create a facade of superiority. However, these terms can be misleading. It's imperative to prioritize the ingredient list over marketing claims.

2. Identify Ingredients Targeting Specific Concerns: Some ingredients have become synonymous with addressing particular skincare concerns and delivering benefits:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Renowned for its hydrating properties that helps the skin retain moisture.
• Retinol (Vitamin A): Acknowledged for its anti-aging prowess.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that illuminates the skin and diminishes signs of aging.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Effective in reducing redness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
• Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) capable of treating acne and facilitating skin exfoliation.
• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and revitalizes the skin.

3. Stay Vigilant Against Potentially Harmful or Irritating Ingredients: Certain ingredients could be detrimental or irritating to your skin. Common culprits include:

• Parabens, which are used as preservatives in products
• Sulfates (SLS and SLES), notorious for causing skin dryness
• Fragrance, often a source of irritation for sensitive skin. 

Seek out products labeled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented." At Deconstruct, we adhere to a strict policy of avoiding these harmful ingredients in our formulations.