What You Should be Reading on Cosmetic Labels - And What it All Means

We often talk about nutritional labels and the importance of reading them closely and not just depending on the marketing copy on the front of the package. However, nutritional labels on food products are not the only labels you should be looking at closely. Here is info on what you should be looking for in cosmetic labels. Since we manufacture a ton of cosmetic labels, we think it's important that both manufacturers and consumers know the information that you probably aren’t reading that you should.

Cosmetic label information:

When wandering the cosmetic aisle at the store, phrases like “all natural” and “oil free” are staring you in the face. However, did you know that the FDA doesn’t regulate what goes into cosmetics? It’s up to consumers to look at the labels on the back of the product and really understand what they are putting on their faces.

Many, for example, think that they should use oil-free products, believing that oil will cause breakouts. However, most of those oil-free products actually have oil on the ingredient list. “The key is looking for the word ‘noncomedogenic’ or ‘nonacnegenic’ on the label,” explains dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi.

Many products also advertise that they have sunscreen. However, they sunscreen in your makeup isn’t going to create the physical barrier you need to protect you from the damaging effects of the sun. Experts advise using a teaspoon of sunscreen, followed by your makeup.

Two other marketing terms you will often see on cosmetic labels: all natural. The truth is that the phrase means nothing, since to call a product “natural” it only has to use 20 percent natural ingredients. If you want to use an organic cosmetic product, make sure it has a USDA organic label.