How to read a label?
If you find it difficult to identify a good natural product, we give you tips to learn how to read them quickly and effectively 😊
We start with the list of ingredients (INCI)
I don't know if you know but EU law obliges natural cosmetics companies to order ingredients based on their proportion in the final product.
In this way, you will find them ordered from largest to smallest proportion .
As you will see in blue, the mandatory texts on a label are:
- INCI
- TRACEABILITY CODE (LOT NUMBER)
- PRODUCT QUANTITY
- NAME OF THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE
- EXPIRATION
- LOGO
About other topics that may appear on labels
TESTED ON ANIMALS
Although in Europe it is prohibited by regulations,
There are two exceptions to this:
- The fact that testing is not produced in Europe does not mean that a brand does not test. The example is all those brands that sell PHYSICALLY in China must by law test on animals. If you sell via Hong Kong online you can bypass this law, but if it is with physical stores it is mandatory.
- In February 2003, the EU banned testing cosmetics on animals. If we read the law we find the prerogative that brands can benefit from and be exempt from it if they demonstrate that they do not have a reliable alternative system . And this with a simple certificate from the company stating that they cannot carry out the test by any system other than animal testing, is useful.
For this reason, you can find this seal on some products. The companies that have it certify through the non-profit organization, PETA, that both their final products and the ingredients they use to manufacture them are free of animal cruelty.
VEGAN / VEGETARIAN
Vegan cosmetics do not use any type of ingredients that are of animal origin or processed by animals, tested on animals or genetically modified ingredients from animal genes.
Vegetarian cosmetics would be those that do contain substances derived from animals such as beeswax.
As in the previous point, there is no official seal, each company puts its own vegan seal.
CERTIFICATIONS
Unlike food, there is no government legislation regarding natural cosmetics and that is why there are several private companies that certify them. It should be said that this process is not mandatory but it ensures double control in the production of the product.
These are the most recognized stamps in Spain:
Ecocert : One of the largest and most recognized. It has been bought by a large multinational and since then it is not considered so reliable.
Natrue : Brussels seal that also certifies clothing, food, etc.
Bioinspecta : Swiss certification company that has been on the market for many years. They are very transparent and look at the ingredients used one by one.
% NATURAL OR BIO
It is important to know how to differentiate between natural and ecological/bio :
Naturally , it comes from the earth. For example, a tomato may be natural because you have grown it in your garden, but if you later put pesticides on it, it is no longer organic or organic.
Eco/bio are synonyms. For a product to be eco or bio, it must be made with natural ingredients and without fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or antibiotics. They should also not contain artificial additives, colorants, or preservatives.
The certifiers set the % of natural and eco but it is not mandatory for the company to include them on their labels.
So if you want to start using natural cosmetics...
- Start with a product that is easy for you to apply in your daily life.
- Look for trusted stores and ask them about the products that interest you most.
- Compare prices, product capabilities and results.
- Read the labels and research the ingredients it contains. These resources will be great for you:
Ecoestética network guide - https:// ecoestetica.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/zcard_web-version-2017.pdf
Environmental working group - https://www.ewg.org/skindeep /
Yuka App - https:// apps.apple.com/es/app/yuka-an%C3%A1lisis-de-productos/id1092799236