BEAUTY PRODUCTS

 

Useful and easy guide to decipher the labeling of your beauty products

It is about time that we know what we buy and, above all, what we put on our face, body and hair. We offer you a simple guide so that, from now on, you can buy cosmetics wisely.

At this point in the film, we all have (or so we hope) abeauty routine consciously made. We know very well that, whatever the skin type, the cleanser comes first, then the toner, then the serum, the contour,to the moisturizing cream and if it's daytimesunscreen as the last and indisputable step.

We also know what needs our complexion has and if what it needs is an urgent reduction ofswelling in the bags, an 'extra' hydration day and night or a pore and/or blemish blur. But... Do we know what we are putting on our faces?dermatologistsThey would be really proud if, from now on, we were not satisfied with reading the large print on cosmetic products, but also the smallest print and even the symbols present on them.

What do the symbols on beauty products mean?

To make it more visual, we have attached an infographic with the most common symbols of cosmetic products. As we will tell you below, some are mandatory, while others are not. We also explain what each one indicates and why it is important to have this information.

1. Date of Expiry.This indicator is represented by a sand clock and it is mandatory.

2. Caducity or PAO ('Period After Opening'). This one involves a cosmetic jar-shaped symbol, as well as a number followed by a letter 'M'. In this case, we talk aboutthe shelf life of the product once opened for the first time. That is, if it says '6M', it means that it will lose effectiveness and/or its use will not be recommended 6 months after the first use. When is the PAO put on and when is the expiration date clock? According to the regulation, the clock is added when the expiration is less than 30 months.

3. Indications and/or instructions for use.If you see a book open with one hand, below you will findthe user guide. This symbol is also required, as it helps to use it correctly, as well as to alert you to certainPrecautions and optimal storage conditions.

4. Net content.Represented by a lowercase 'e', ​​this confirmsthe amount of product present in the jar. This can come in grams (g) or milliliters (ml).

5. Aerosol sprays.In this case we are talking about an inverted capital 'e'. If it is present on the label of your product, it means that it is an aerosol. An aerosol that also complies with the quality and safety standards that are mandatory for products in that category.

6. Green Point.This other symbol, also mandatory, "indicates that the company has complied with the legislation on 'Packaging and Waste'", they tell us from cosmeticoseficaces.com. This means that the materials useddo not harm the environment and that, in addition, contribute to their recycling.

7. Dermatologically tested.In addition to the fact that it is not mandatory, the truth is that there is no consensus regarding the symbol to add. That is why, if your product has been tested by dermatologists, you can also find it written.

8. Not tested on animals. Believe it or not, the famous rabbit symbol is not mandatory and the reason is as simple as it is reassuring. It turns out that, according to the technical document on cosmetic product claims in force, "this seal should not be used because the marketing of cosmetic products that have been tested experimentally on animals is prohibited since March 11, 2009". Or, what is the same, that it is a prohibited practice and, therefore, the badge is not necessary.