Cosmetic Ingredients List
THE LIST
Did you know that cosmetic products must have its full ingredients listed on the packaging. If not listed on the container, e.g. tube or bottle, it will appear on the outer packaging. The ingredient list is preceded by the term 'ingredients', followed by the list of ingredients present. Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration from greatest amount to least amount if they have a concentration of 1% or higher. However, just because an ingredient is not present at the top of the list, it does not mean that it is not effective – some ingredients are effective in low concentrations.
THE NAMES
To read the ingredient list can sometimes feel like a chemistry lesson with all the scientific names. The ingredients are listed by their INCI names, which stands for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”, which is an internationally recognized system for naming ingredients of both natural and synthetic origin. There are plenty of common or natural ingredients that have complicated INCI names, e.g. Tocopheryl Acetate = Vitamin E, Sodium Bicarbonate = baking soda and Butyrospermum Parkii = Shea Butter.
THE FUNCTION
The very same ingredient can have different cosmetic functions depending on dosage and formula environment, for example pH-value of final product and function of other included ingredients. Take the well-known lactic acid (AHA), in lower dosage the main function can be hydration, while in higher concentration and a low pH-value its well-known for its exfoliation properties. Salicylic acid in a low percentage is commonly used as a preservative, while in a concentration between 0.5-2% it is a well-recognized for its ability to prevent future pimple breakouts. The importance of effective dosage can be illustrated with a cookie. Adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the batter will not make it a chocolate cookie. While adding a teaspoon of baking powder can be the effective dosage to achieve its desired function.