Blog · Skincare
Reading an ingredient label in 60 seconds
A quick method to understand what's really in a product before you buy it.
22 September 2026 · 3 min read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
01
Method
Four quick checks
Read the first five
Ingredients are listed in descending order, so the first five usually make up most of the formula.
Find the active
Look for the ingredient the product is sold on, such as niacinamide or retinol, and see how high up the list it appears.
Spot fragrance
'Parfum', 'fragrance' and named essential oils can irritate sensitive skin.
Check the jar symbol
The open-jar icon (e.g. 12M) tells you how many months the product lasts once opened.
02
When in doubt
Patch test new products on your inner arm or jawline for a few days before using them on your whole face.
