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How To Read the Labels on your Skincare Products

Discover their codes and symbols to unlock all the benefits

How to Read the Labels on your Skincare Products

MINI-GUIDE ON HOW TO DECODE THE SYMBOLS OF YOUR COSMETICS

Did you know that your skincare product labels hide key information about their ingredients and use? Understanding terms like INCI, PAO, and other packaging symbols is essential to getting the most out of your beauty routine. We'll teach you how to read boxes and containers like a pro!

Animation of different sized packaging

INCI: What is it?


It’s the list of all the ingredients contained in a product, from highest to lowest concentration. Each component is shown with its official name following the INCI system (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), a standard that translates the science behind your product into a universal language.

More is not always better. Each ingredient has an “effective dose”, meaning the concentration needed to produce a beneficial response. Sometimes more can be counterproductive.

GRAMS OR MILLILITERS: Accuracy matters


'e' icon for measurement

Have you ever noticed an “e” appearing next to the grams or milliliters of your skincare product? As it happens, this e-mark tells you that the “average fill” method has been used... and right before that you have a clue about the product. If you see “fl. oz” (fluid ounces), you are looking at a more liquid formula, such as a toner or an essence, while if you see “net wt.” (net weight), the product is more solid, like a serum or a cream.

PAO: The shelf life of your cosmetic


PAO

You have probably seen a symbol of an open bottle with a number followed by an “M”. This is the PAO (Period After Opening), and it tells you how long (in months) your product will last once opened. Think of it as an hourglass for your skincare product!

On some products, such as sunscreens, you can also find the expiry date printed on the package or product. This is because they have a useful life of less than 30 months.

TRACEABILITY: Your product footprint


Barcode

Do you know the difference between a barcode and a lot number? Our products include both to maximize their traceability.

  • ‱ Barcode: Tells us that the product is a commercial item and allows us to manage the distribution and marketing side of things, thus improving our automation and inventory control.
  • ‱ Lot number: Tells us the specific manufacturing batch, so we know at all times when the cosmetic you are holding in your hands was produced.

ECOEMBES GREEN DOT: Your nudge to recycle


Recycling

Do those two intertwined arrows forming a circle look familiar? It is known as the Ecoembes Green Dot and it confirms our participation in the packaging recycling system, thus providing assurance of responsible environmental management.

LEAFLET: Your ally for proper use


Hand over leaflet

This friendly symbol means that the box or package contains a leaflet with helpful instructions on how to apply your skincare product and maximize the benefits, along with other useful information.

Other symbols that make a difference

You might also spot other icons, such as the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) symbol, which certifies that the cardboard used to make our boxes comes from sustainably managed forests. You may also see warnings and/or precautions on cosmetics containing specific ingredients, such as certain acids or retinol.

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