How to Read a Label: A Beginner’s Guide to Decoding Personal Care Ingredients
Because peace of mind starts with understanding what’s in your bottle.
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We get it—ingredient labels on personal care products can feel like a foreign language.
Polyethylene what? Cocamidopropyl who?
We believe transparency starts with education. You deserve to know what you’re putting on your skin—and what you’re letting into your home.
So here’s a simple guide to help you decode what’s really inside that pretty packaging.
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1. “Fragrance” Could Mean… Anything
If a product lists just “fragrance” or “parfum”—be cautious.
That single word can legally hide hundreds of unlisted chemicals, including:
Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
Allergens
Petroleum derivatives
Pro tip: Look for brands that fully disclose fragrance sources or use essential oils instead—ideally at low, skin-safe levels.
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2. Scan for the Usual Suspects
Watch out for these common red-flag ingredients:
SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate): Can strip skin’s natural oils and cause irritation
Parabens: Preservatives linked to endocrine disruption
1,4-Dioxane: A contaminant that won’t appear on labels but is often found in products with PEGs or sulfates
Triclosan: Antibacterial agent linked to hormone and microbial imbalances
Pro tip: Simpler is often safer. Fewer ingredients = fewer chances for hidden harm.
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3. Understand “Natural” vs. “Naturally Derived”
Many products boast “plant-based” or “natural,” but these terms are not regulated.
Natural could mean minimally processed… or it could mean nothing
Naturally derived might start from a plant but go through heavy chemical alteration
Pro tip: Focus less on buzzwords and more on the actual ingredient list.
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4. Order Tells a Story
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight—meaning the first few make up most of the product.
If you see a star ingredient (like “chamomile extract”) listed 25th? It’s likely in there in tiny amounts.
Pro tip: The first 5 ingredients usually tell you the most about a product’s true function and quality.
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5. Learn a Few Gentle Heroes
Not all surfactants or preservatives are harsh—some are skin-loving allies when used thoughtfully and in the right concentrations. Here are a few ingredient heroes we look for (and use):
Coco Glucoside – A gentle, plant-derived cleanser made from coconut oil and sugar. It cleans effectively without stripping or irritating the skin.
Coco Betaine – Often confused with its more processed cousin (CAPB), this is a milder co-surfactant that enhances foam and reduces irritation when used in balanced formulas.
Lactobacillus Ferment – A probiotic-based ingredient that supports the skin microbiome, enhances barrier health, and offers natural preservation benefits.
Glycerin – A naturally derived humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Pro tip: If your product includes these and leaves your skin feeling calm, hydrated, and balanced—you’re on the right track.
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Our Approach: Full Transparency, No Shortcuts
We don’t expect you to be a chemist.
We just believe you have a right to understand what’s touching your skin, and why.
That’s why every formula is:
Fully disclosed
Free from toxins and common allergens
Crafted with safe, high-performing ingredients you can actually pronounce (or Google with confidence)
Clean care should never be a mystery.
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Because Labels Should Build Trust—Not Confusion
You don’t need to decode everything. But every time you choose to read a label, question a claim, or swap a product for something better—you’re empowering yourself.
And that’s the kind of care we’re here to support.
