Have you ever bought a product labeled "for sensitive skin" only to end up with redness or irritation? You're not alone. Understanding how to read a skincare label can be your best defense. Here's a quick guide.
Step 1: Look for "Fragrance-Free"—Not Just "Unscented"
“Unscented” can be misleading—it might still contain fragrance to mask odors. Look for “fragrance-free” and scan for hidden fragrance terms like:
✔️ Perfume
✔️ Fragrance
✔️ Aroma
✔️ Parfum (yes, still used in India)
✔️ Linalool
✔️ Limonene
✔️ Citral
✔️ Eugenol
✔️ Geraniol
✔️ Coumarin
✔️ Benzyl Alcohol (can act both as preservative and fragrance)
✔️ Cinnamal (cinnamaldehyde)
✔️ Amyl Cinnamal
✔️ Hexyl Cinnamal
✔️ Isoeugenol
Step 2: Check for Allergen Disclosure
Some brands list potential allergens voluntarily.
Step 3: Scan the First 5 Ingredients
Ingredients are listed in descending order by quantity. The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the formula. If you see alcohol, fragrance, or harsh actives there, proceed with caution.
Step 4: Identify Harsh Preservatives and Irritants
Be wary of:
✔️Phenoxyethanol (less irritating but still a preservative)
✔️Formaldehyde-releasing agents (like DMDM hydantoin)
✔️Sodium lauryl sulfate (can cause dryness)
Step 5: Learn the Red Flags
When in doubt, look up unfamiliar ingredients. Apps like INCI Decoder or websites like EWG’s Skin Deep can help you understand what’s in your bottle.
Final Tip
The simpler, the better. Look for products with minimal ingredients and clinical backing. When in doubt, patch test and introduce new products slowly.
Take the guesswork out of skincare. Discover NoctoBrite's transparent ingredient lists and commitment to gentle, allergen-aware formulas. Buy now