on July 03, 2018
#letsbefrank, they don't teach you this in school.
If you're a babe who's sick of reading words, googling ingredients, and being sold products without actually being told what's in them and what they do, this is for you.
1. "Naturally derived"
When a brand accesses properties of a natural raw material (like the oil from a coconut) and uses it to make products, without synthetically replicating it. Think using a coconut for its oil rather than the whole coconut.
2. Benzoyl peroxide
A medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. If you have sensitive or dry skin, this can actually dry and irritate it further. Opt for a gentle cleanser that clears the skin without stripping it.
3. "Pat face dry after cleansing"
Not a silly instruction. Rubbing your face after washing strips your skin's moisture and stretches the skin, which can lead to more fine lines over time. Patting is the way.
4. "Hypoallergenic" and "noncomedogenic"
There are no universal regulatory standards that govern the use of terms like "hypoallergenic" and "noncomedogenic" on skincare products. A brand can do extensive testing or none at all and still use them. Take them with a grain of salt.
5. Ceramides
Naturally occurring in the skin, these waxy lipid molecules act as a moisture shield, preventing moisture from leaving the surface and protecting skin from environmental factors. They can also be synthesised and included in products like gentle cleansers and body creams.
6. Organic
Something that is grown, produced, and made without the use of chemicals, pesticides, or mass production methods. Any brand can use the label "organic" regardless of how their ingredients are cultivated. Look for a "certified organic" logo on products that have been tested and verified by leading health and organic bodies.
7. "Will help" vs "may help"
Brands can't claim their product actually helps skin unless it's been dermatologically tested. That's why you'll see language like "this may help with..." or "some babes found it helped with X, Y, Z." Now you know why.
8. Irritants
Any funny sensation after applying a product isn't a sign it's working. It's your skin asking for help. Potentially irritating ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, citrus oils, and artificial fragrance are common in skincare, so check your labels, especially if you have sensitive skin.
9. Ingredient lists
The first five ingredients are generally the bulk of a product. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration unless they're less than one percent of the formula (which can be listed in any order). That said, some ingredients are potent in smaller doses, so high up doesn't always mean most effective.
10. Vegan
Generally, vegan products are labelled. If you're unsure, check the ingredient listings. Some products contain mostly vegan ingredients but are bound with ethically-sourced honey or lanolin. My Original Lip Scrub uses ethically-sourced beeswax, for example.
Happy reading, babe.
x frank
