When trying to decide whether you want to use a product, all the information you need is on the label – but not always where you might think. The product description, which most of us refer to first, should really only be viewed as advertising copy. The information you need to take notice of is the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) list, otherwise known as the ingredients list. Here you will find all the components, from the highest percentage to the lowest, the type of ingredient (natural, derived from nature or synthetic) and any known allergens – and often whether it is organic, wild-crafted, biodynamic, and more.
All these ingredients are approved for use in products but, for those who like their ‘skin food’ to be derived from nature where possible (like the food that they may eat; whole and organic), reading the ingredients list is the only way you’ll really know how much of your product is natural. To get you started, the list below features the ingredients I avoid and the alternatives I favour. It is by no means exhaustive, but it will provide a strong starting point to get you thinking about what’s in your skincare; and considering if it should have a place on your skin.
THE BASE INGREDIENTS