Many cosmetic products look interesting and attractive, but that doesn't mean that all of them are as effective and safe as you might think. There are some cosmetics that contain ingredients that certain skin types should avoid, ingredients that can be sensitizing and irritating.
Part 1: Understanding the ingredient list/INCI list:
In addition to the name of the product and its basic characteristics, a cosmetic label will also include the ingredients it contains: the INCI list. INCI stands for "International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients" and is an ingredient naming system based on scientific nomenclature.
The INCI list may seem confusing and scary at first - don't be afraid! Take the time to read and research it. Plant ingredients are easy to recognize because they are listed with their Latin names (always two words) and a common name in parentheses, e.g. rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil, which is rosemary essential oil; helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, which is sunflower oil.
Some ingredients on the list sound very "chemical" and many people believe that "if you can't pronounce the name of the ingredient, it must be harmful. This is not always true. There are many common or naturally occurring ingredients that have complicated names, but are safe and even have an important function in the product. Here are some examples:
- Tocopherol: vitamin E, protects the product from rancidity.
- Xanthan gum: a naturally occurring gum that thickens the product.
- Cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol: a fatty alcohol that stabilizes emulsions and has a moisturizing action. It is not drying like pure alcohol (ethanol).
- Citric acid: although it carries the word "acid", it is not harmful. It regulates the pH levels of the product and also protects it from microbial contamination.
- Sorbitan Olivate: this is an example of an emulsifier, it sounds very "scientific", but it is actually made from sorbitol (sugar alcohol found in chewing gum) and olive oil.
- Potassium sorbate: example of a preservative, potassium salt of natural sorbic acid, also used to preserve food.
Part 2: The Order of Ingredients:
The order in which ingredients are listed on the label is important. Ingredients are listed in descending order from most to least amount present in the product (except for ingredients present in a concentration of less than 1%, which may be listed in any order).
Part 3: About allergens
Allergens are listed at the end of an INCI list. These allergens are components of natural essential oils or synthetic fragrances. There are 26 possible allergens, including geraniol, limonene and linalool. Often, companies mark ingredients that are essential oil allergens with an asterisk or in italics. It pays to familiarize yourself with common allergens, as to the untrained eye they may appear suspicious.
Part 4: How to Read a Cosmetic Label
- Abbreviated ingredient lists: Sometimes, especially in online stores or on brand websites, companies do not list all the ingredients, but only the "key ingredients" or "active ingredients," and omit the rest. This makes the list of ingredients quite short and, moreover, very attractive. To know the full list of ingredients it is sometimes necessary to consult the label of the product itself, where the brand is obliged to indicate everything. At GEODERM you will find the full INCI on the website.
- Resources for understanding INCI names: It is normal to feel confused at first when faced with an INCI list, a very interesting website is https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient-alphabetical. You can search for ingredients to see what they are and what they are used for in a cosmetic product.
Step 5: Ingredients to avoid
For all people who prefer to use natural products, it is best to avoid the following ingredients. GEODERM products do not contain any of these ingredients:
- Parabens
- Talc
- Artificial fragrances
- Artificial colorants
- EDTA-based agents
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate
- Petrochemicals
Ingredients in GEODERM facial moisturizer:
Geoderm is committed to natural formulas and transparency in its ingredients. An example of this is its facial moisturizer.
Moisturizes and protects your skin. Natural formula with intense and immediate action that moisturizes and reduces expression lines, in addition to protecting the skin from pollution and daily stress, for a radiant complexion with a natural glow. Contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and anti-pollution ferment®. For all skin types.
It is composed of natural ingredients that moisturize, soften and protect the skin. The synergy of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid of high and low molecular weight, in addition to moisturizing, prevents and diminishes expression lines. In addition, vitamin C contributes to the metabolism and production of collagen to ensure elasticity and uniformity in skin tone and texture. The antipollution ferment® nourishes and protects the skin from daily exposure to pollutants and everyday stress. Its texture is smooth and easily absorbed.
INCI:
Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Coco-caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil*, Dracaena Draco Extract, Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Malva sylvestris Flower Extract, Hamamelis virginiana Leaf Extract, Bacopa Monnieri Extract, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Glycerin, Jojoba esters, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Helianthus annuus Seed Wax, Xanthan Gum, Aqua, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Acacia decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Phytic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene.
*From organic farming.
99.34% of ingredients of natural origin
100% vegan
73.95% organic ingredients
Paraben free, silicone free, phenoxyethane free.
