What’s In YOUR Product? Label Reading Tips.

Many know there is important information to be gleaned from the ingredients listed on the packaging of personal care products, but few know exactly what to look for. Since the list of debatable ingredients is long and polysyllabic, it’s a good strategy to know a few basics of label reading to simplify the process of product selection.

Standard to any ingredient deck is the order in which ingredients are listed. The first ingredients listed comprise a larger percentage of the formulation than do those at the bottom of the list. This is useful in determining how dilute a product is; if the benefits of a specific ingredient are sought, then it will ideally appear toward the top of the ingredient deck.

When trying to rule out products containing specific ingredients, think of the acronym “SPA”: Sulfates, Parabens and Artificial colors/fragrance. Sulfates are harsh foaming agents included in most facial cleansers and shampoos to create lather and dissolve oil. Though some experience no side effects whatsoever, others report dryness, irritation, and allergic response; some studies even indicate links to cancer. Parabens and urea are the most common synthetic preservatives utilized in personal care products. Parabens have been indicated in studies to cause everything from allergic response to hormonal and developmental disorders. Urea has been found to release formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory irritant. Artificial colors and fragrance are “disguises” for a product which might otherwise be thought unappealing. Whatever their esthetic contribution, they have both been indicated as possible links to cancer. Though disagreement continues within the scientific community as to the overall safety of the mentioned ingredients, studies suggest that each at least requires further examination.