Are You Overwhelmed By The Information on Skincare Labels?
Understanding skincare labels might seem like a task fit only for scientists and formulators, but with proper guidance and a few tips, you can ‘decode’ these masses of information like a professional.
But hold on a second! Before we get into the gritty details of what exactly is on the labels, allow me to clarify some common myths. All the statements you see below are commonly spread misinformation.
Myth 1: Consumers are never able to understand INCI names.
Myth 2: If a label state organic ingredients, it doesn’t meant that the product is 100% natural/plant based! Products, unless verified, may contains a low percentage of organic ingredients and may even utilize harsh chemicals.
Myth 3: Symbols such as organic, vegan, cruelty free can be taken at face values. Not every one of these symbols are officially approved!
Myth 4: Beware of fancy packaging and marketing claims that make you believe a certain product is something that it actually isn’t. For example, labels screaming “Free From Parabens” or “Chemical Free” may not always reflect the full ingredient list.
So don’t be fooled by a product name or description! Instead, get to know and understand your skincare labels. That’s the only way to truly know what is in your products, and how safe they really are.
As a conscious consumer, you should be aware of exactly what you deserve to know when it comes to ingredient lists!
All cosmetic/skincare products are required to be labelled in accordance with cosmetic regulations before being sold or supplied. The FDA, EU, UK, and ASEAN’s cosmetic regulations require a full display of ingredient lists. Labels or labeling statements must be in the local language – for example, English must be used in Singapore. Furthermore, the information must appear on the outer packaging or immediate container of the cosmetic products or leaflets, pamphlets, hang tags, display panels that are placed together with the products.
The following information must be included in an ingredient list, according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directives.
- Name of the cosmetic product
- Function of the cosmetic product
- Instructions for use
- Full ingredient list
- Country of manufacture
- Contents (weight/volume)
- Batch number
- Manufacturing/ expiry date (note that this is only required for products with less than 30 months durability)
- Name and address in Singapore of the company responsible for placing the product in the market
- Special precautions, if any (especially those listed in Annex III, VI, VII in the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive)
In our next blog post, we will be teaching you how to read and understand your skincare/cosmetic labels with only 3 simple steps. Keep watching our space and if you want to learn how to do just that.
References
Labeling Requirement for Cosmetic Product APR19 – HSA. https://www.hsa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/hprg-cosmetics/labeling-requirement-for-cosmetic-product_apr19.pdf.