The formulation of beauty products can be confusing. Several cosmetic and marketing jargon can be befuddling. The ingredients are the key in any cosmetic product, even in ayurvedic skincare products. They define the product, what it does, and if it's good for our skin? Did you know that our skin absorbs 60% of the formula we apply on the surface? Now imagine if the product we use is prone to allergies and can disrupt your skin. Scary right? This is why every dermatologist suggests reading the product labels before investing in them. Reading labels can be tricky, but knowledge is paramount, significantly when your skin's life depends on it.
Some pointers that'll take you closer to understanding labels
1. Know about INCI
You might be unaware of this abbreviation, but INCI is the most crucial element of any product formulation. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients is basically a structured ingredient list that gives a clearly defined framework on the composition. In simpler terms, it is a designation for declaring the ingredients in a product and creating a shared understanding for both consumer and the industry. The INCI system ensures the components must be listed as their scientific names and plants as their Latin names. Ayurveda Products tend to work on ISO guidelines for the detection and identification of microorganisms in cosmetic products.
2. Don't fear the complex ingredients
It is easy to be befuddled after seeing scientific names of random ingredients. One of the collagens stimulating ingredients is acetyl hexapeptide-8, and this long, complex name describes its chemical structure. Even in Ayurvedic skincare products, ingredients like Hemp Seed & Bakuchi might be unknown but have numerous therapeutic benefits.
3. Don't shop by trend
Many Ayurveda products aren't infused with exotic ingredients, but bless your skin excessively. Renowned acids like Niacinamide, AHA & BHA, Sodium Hyaluronate etc., are worth the hype and work miraculously on your skin. However, organic and ayurvedic ingredients like Neem, Turmeric, Aloe vera have not achieved global fame, but are nature's wonders & heals your skin internally.
4. Size or Amount isn't everything
It is essential to note that several active ingredients can be harsh on your skin, and hence, the amount in the concentration is minor. For example, it is advised to use not more than 2% of Salicylic Acid to disrupt the skin. Ayurvedic Skincare products are formulated with plant-derived acids and medicinal botanicals that adhere to the highest standards of purity, authenticity and quality. Every ingredient is fashioned in traditional, organic, and ayurvedic ways. Still, Too much of anything is wrong, so don't be fooled.
How to decipher a Skincare product label successfully
1. Preservation method: Most self-care products contain water, and it needs to be preserved. Otherwise, it could decay or lose it’s efficacy. One such common preserving ingredient is paraben. However, Parabens can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions. As paraben-free skincare has become a rallying cry, other preservatives like phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin are being used. Although these preservatives are FDA approved, they still harm your skin. To avoid the situation altogether, try products with hydrating ingredients.
2. Harmful elements: Before viewing the beneficial ingredient, look at chemicals infused in the skincare products. The Ayurveda products that are alcohol-free, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic and Organic are suitable for your skin.
3. Warning signs: We often read the ingredients and forget about the warning signs. This section majorly focuses on facts and alerts about the product. Warnings like what areas should be avoided during application, which skin type can react differently, is the product safe for pregnant ladies or new mothers and how the product should be applied. This is applicable even for the organic or ayurvedic skincare products.
4. Learn the source: The green mark and red mark on the product play a vital role for those consumers who are specific about being vegan or using vegan products and banishing animal-based products. Look for vegan skincare Ayurveda products infused with botanicals that nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin from harsh chemicals.
5. Product's Shelf life: Commonly known expiration date, the shelf life is the product's graveyard. If you can't remember when you have purchased the product, it's time to toss it out. Expired products no longer benefit your skin and can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
Learning and identifying ingredients is incredibly helpful for choosing the right ayurvedic skin care product for your skin. Before buying any product, know about your skin and what it needs. Try avoiding heavy weighted oil-based products if you already have oily skin. Try using organic and Ayurveda products that are environmentally friendly and deliver almost no side effects. With these tips in mind, you are now ready to fact check your own cabinet and advise others to do the same.
Keep healthy, keep glowing.
