How to read an ingredient list on a skin care label
Ingredient lists follow rules that make them easier to decode. Here is what the order, the Latin names and the word "fragrance" really tell you.
An ingredient list can look like a wall of unfamiliar words. A few simple rules make it much easier to read.
Order matters, mostly
In the US, ingredients are generally listed from the highest amount to the lowest. The exception is the tail of the list: ingredients at one percent or less may appear in any order. So the first handful of ingredients make up most of the formula, while the last ones are often present in small amounts.
Water is usually first
Many creams, lotions and serums list water (called aqua or water on labels) first, since it is the base. That is normal and not a sign of a weak product.
Why the names look odd
Labels often use INCI names, a standardized naming system. That is why you see tocopherol instead of vitamin E, or glycerin in the same form on many products. The names look technical, but they make comparing products easier.
"Fragrance" and other umbrella terms
The word fragrance or parfum can stand for a blend of many components. If you are sensitive to specific scents, brands that disclose their fragrance components or offer fragrance-free versions are worth looking for.
Active ingredients are listed separately on some products
Products regulated as over-the-counter drugs, such as sunscreens and acne treatments, list their active ingredients in a separate "Drug Facts" panel in addition to the full ingredient list.
A quick checklist
- Scan the first five ingredients to see what the formula is mostly made of.
- Look for your known irritants anywhere on the list.
- Check the active ingredient panel if the product makes a drug claim.
- Do a patch test before using something new on your face.
The takeaway
An ingredient list tells you what is in a product and roughly how much, but not how well it works. Use it as a starting point, not a verdict.
Common questions
Are ingredients listed by amount?
Generally, yes. Ingredients present at more than one percent are listed in descending order of amount, while those at one percent or less can appear in any order.
Why do some ingredients have Latin names?
Cosmetic labels commonly use INCI names, a standardized naming system that lets the same ingredient be identified across brands and countries.
What does "fragrance" mean on a label?
It is a catch-all term that can cover many individual components, so the label does not show each one.