How to Read a Skincare Label Like a Pro

Alexandra
Aug 8, 2025
2 min read

The wellness girly guide to decoding ingredients and protecting your skin (and hormones)

Why Being Able To Read Your Skincare Label Matters

Your skincare routine might look clean, but if you’re not checking the ingredients, you might be unknowingly applying harsh chemicals or hormone-disrupting compounds daily. Learning how to read a skincare label gives you control over what goes on — and into — your skin.

How to Read a Skincare Label Like a Pro:

Step 1: Ignore the Front of the Bottle

Words like “natural,” “organic,” or “clean” aren’t regulated in the beauty industry. Many brands use these as marketing tactics without fully committing to non-toxic formulas.

Instead, always flip to the back and read the full ingredient list.

Step 2: Know What the First 5 Ingredients Tell You

Ingredients are listed in order of concentration. The first five ingredients typically make up the majority of the formula — so if the good stuff (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide) is buried at the bottom, you’re not getting much of it.

Look for your actives and hydrating ingredients to appear near the top.

Step 3: Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid

These are commonly found in mainstream skincare — but have been linked to hormone disruption, irritation, and inflammation:

Fragrance/Parfum – a catch-all for hundreds of chemicals
Parabens – preservatives linked to hormone disruption
Phthalates – often hidden under “fragrance”
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – harsh surfactant
Formaldehyde-releasers – used in preservatives
Oxybenzone – found in chemical sunscreens, linked to hormone effects

Step 4: Understand Misleading Label Claims

“Fragrance-Free” means no added scent — but “unscented” might contain masking fragrances
“Non-comedogenic” isn’t regulated — ingredients may still clog pores for some
“Hypoallergenic” has no legal definition — it’s a marketing term

Don’t let these buzzwords be your only guide.