Tips for choosing make-up

How to learn to read the labels of cosmetics

Conscious consumption not only for food products but also for creams and cosmetics. There are many ways to find out more information on products and their ingredients, but perhaps the most complete and quickest way is reading the label. In fact, by law, each package must bear information that can be useful to consumers.

Chemicals such as silicones, parabens, aluminium and fragrances can still be found in many cosmetics and make-up. Although organic products are highly in demand, leading brands still prefer to use synthetic substances, which are cheaper and ensure a better performance and an almost instant effect on the skin.

Not all chemicals are harmful or ought to be demonised. They are certainly quite different from totally natural ones, which, however, come in different categories.

There are ecological ones made up of environmentally friendly substances, organic ones made with ingredients from organic farming, 100% natural ones and others that are only partially organic. The language used on labels can also help us understand, since products that are not treated with chemicals are indicated with their Latin botanical name, whereas synthetic substances are often written in English.

And colourings? They are easily identified, as they are indicated by the lettering CI (Colour Index) followed by an identification code.

A last aspect to take into consideration is fragrances. If they exceed the minimum threshold, they must be indicated on the label. Their excessive use may lead to allergic reactions in susceptible people.