How to read the ingredients in lotions and creams

The ingredient list on skincare products is a long string of words. While you may recognize each one individually, when they're all listed together, it can be hard to understand what they mean.

Today, let's take a look at how to read the ingredients in lotions and creams:

1. Look at the order: Ingredients are typically listed in order of concentration in the product, from highest to lowest. The first five to seven ingredients usually make up the majority of the product. Key ingredients like water, glycerin, and silicone oil are typically listed at the beginning of the list.

2. Look at the active ingredients: These are the components in skincare products designed to achieve specific effects (such as sun protection, anti-wrinkle, or acne treatment). Most products highlight their main active ingredients in a prominent position.

3. Other ingredients: These include preservatives, stabilizers, and thickeners, which help maintain the product's texture and stability and extend its shelf life. Examples include parabens and phenoxyethanol. Another category includes fragrances and colorants, which are typically listed toward the end of the ingredient list.

The above are the basic principles for the composition and ordering of ingredients in skincare products. Ultimately, it is important to choose products suitable for your skin type and needs.

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces too much oil, but that doesn't mean you don't need moisturizing. In fact, maintaining the proper water and oil balance in your skin can help control oil secretion. Here are some tips for oily skin when choosing moisturizing skin care products:

Choose "oil-free" or "for oily skin" products: Avoid heavy or oil-based moisturizers and choose more refreshing, easily absorbed gel or jelly products, which usually have a lightweight texture and will not increase the oil content of the skin. It is best to contain oil-control ingredients such as niacinamide or fruit acid, salicylic acid, etc., which can control oil secretion.

Dry skin

Dry skin often feels tight, dry, and may even be sensitive. Therefore, choosing the right moisturizing skincare products is crucial. Here are some tips for dry skin when selecting moisturizing skincare products:

Choose more nourishing products: Dry skin requires more nourishing moisturizers than oily or combination skin. Look for products containing oils and rich moisturizing ingredients, such as crocodile oil or olive oil. Preferably with repairing ingredients: Such as vitamin E or ceramides, which provide long-lasting moisturization and restore the skin barrier function.

Additionally, here are some tips for dry skin: First, choose nighttime repair products, as nighttime is the optimal time for skin repair and recovery. Additionally, avoid prolonged use of hot water, as it may strip the skin of its natural oils.

Key ingredients and irritating ingredients

Regardless of skin type, certain ingredients should be avoided whenever possible, such as alcohol, fragrances, and dyes. Alcohol may further dry out the skin, while fragrances and dyes may irritate sensitive skin.

There are also two categories of beneficial ingredients that are excellent for both oily and dry skin. One is hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or collagen, which absorb moisture and help lock it into the skin. The other is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients, such as chamomile, green tea extract, or niacinamide, which inhibit inflammation, soothe sensitivity, and reduce damage from free radicals.

Finally, everyone's skin is unique, and some people may be allergic to certain ingredients. The best approach is to apply a small amount to the skin and test it. Different brands of products may also have different textures, so try several different products to find the one that suits you best. If you have any concerns about a particular ingredient or product, consulting a dermatologist or expert is always a good idea.