How to Read Personal-Care Product Labels

A product label is one of the most useful tools you have when choosing personal care. It can look dense at first, but each part is there for a reason.

The ingredient list

Ingredients on cosmetics are commonly listed in descending order of concentration, with ingredients present at very low levels often appearing at the end. Names are frequently given using a standard international naming system, which is why you may see botanical Latin names or chemical names rather than everyday words.

• The first few ingredients usually make up most of the product.
• If you know you react to a particular ingredient, check the full list every time — formulas can change.
• Fragrance may be listed as a single term.

Directions and cautions

Directions tell you how the product is intended to be used — how much, how often, and whether to rinse it off. Cautions highlight things to avoid, such as contact with eyes. Following both helps you get the experience the product was designed for.

Dates and batch information

Look for the manufacturing or expiry date and the batch or lot number. Some products also show a small open-jar symbol with a number, indicating how many months the product is intended to be used after opening.

Reading marketing language

Words on the front of a pack are often descriptive or aspirational. The back of the pack — ingredients, directions and cautions — is where you'll find the practical information. If you're unsure about a claim, ask the brand directly.