How to read cosmetic labels?

More and more cosmetics, including natural ones, appear on the market. First of all, we ask ourselves: how are they better than those produced on a mass scale? What to pay special attention to, what to consider when choosing them, and finally - how to match them to the needs of your skin. We provide you with helpful information in a short and clear way.

So what should you avoid first when choosing cosmetics?

How to read the INCI label (list of ingredients from which the cosmetic is produced)?

The ingredients on the packages are listed in order from the ingredient that is the most to the one that is the least. They can be given in Latin or English.

Industrial soaps often contain: paraffin (mineral oil) , which is a derivative of petroleum! It may appear on the label under the names:

We can come across such names:

• Paraffin Oil
• Parafinul Liquidium
• Paraffin
• Synthetic Wax
• Vaseline
• Ceresin
• Ozokerite
• Isoparaffin
• Isobutane
• Isododecane
• Isohexadecane
• Cera Microcistallina

Mineral oils do not have any caring properties, but they create a film on the skin that is impermeable to air and nutrients. This ingredient leads to clogging of pores, increased inflammation, dry skin, skin aging and even acne. It gives an illusion of hydration and nourishment.

Preservatives is another group of ingredients that should be avoided. Parabens these are synthetic preservatives, but they are still being tested for harmfulness. They are accused of causing hormonal disorders, skin irritations and allergies. You can usually find them in drugstore shampoos, creams, mascaras and lipsticks, so the cosmetic can last for many months on the shelf.

They appear on the label as (some of the most important ones):

• all with the ending – paraben
• Formaldehyde
• Polycrylamide
• Phenoxyethanol

SLS, that is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and SLES , that is Sodium Laureth Sulfate . Strong detergent, derivative of sulfuric acid. These detergents used in washing powders, dishwashing liquids, but also shampoos, shower gels and soaps - thanks to them we obtain abundant foam, but they wash away the protective lipid layer of the epidermis, gradually drying and damaging the skin. It may cause allergies, but you can almost be sure of dry skin and erythema. They tend to accumulate in the body.

PEG, PPG (Propylene Glycol, PG Xylene Glycol, PEG-40 Sorbitan Diisostearate, PPG-15 Stearate) – toxic solvents. They cause skin irritation, have a drying effect and are particularly dangerous for the eye area - they can lead to conjunctivitis or eyeball inflammation.

Silicones they do not have any nutritional properties, their role is only to smooth the surface of the skin or hair. They seem pleasant to use and are not very harmful in small amounts. Silicones also clog pores and adversely affect its condition.

What do the compositions of natural soaps look like ?

An example recipe for Olivia Plum Classic Olive Oil natural soap is:

• 100% ingredients of plant origin
• Vegetable oils
• The highest content of olive oil, which is in the first position in the composition
• The olive oil is extra virgin and comes from our own olive plantation

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aqua (water), Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hypericum Perforatum (St.John's wort oil), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Almond)

Which soap(s) from our offer should you choose for yourself?

• Soap with activated carbon - kills bacteria, detoxifies, helps fight acne, ideal after sports exercise; both for face and body.
• Soap with poppy seeds - exfoliation of the epidermis and strong moisturization at the same time, all during a short bath? Peeling has never been so fast and convenient!
• Soap with goat milk and honey - the combination of goat milk and honey has a moisturizing effect, it is also suitable for delicate and sensitive skin.
• Soap with argan oil and silk - super smooth skin and intense hydration, as well as anti-aging effects; both for face and body.
• Chamomile soap - one of the mildest recipes, also suitable for children.
• Classic soap - the simplest, universal, and at the same time most popular recipe from our offer, odorless, delicate; also willingly chosen by men (including for shaving).