How To Identify A Good Cosmetic?

A cosmetic is a substance or a mixture intended to be brought into contact with different superficial parts of the body, for cleaning or beautification purposes, in particular of the face.

To select the right cosmetic for your health and that of the environment, it is important to have a few basics to help you choose.

Depending on your habits, you finally come into contact every day with the ingredients that are part of the composition of cosmetics. These ingredients can be natural or chemical and their proportion depends on the type of product you are using.

What is a cosmetic?

A cosmetic is a substance or a mixture intended to be brought into contact with different surface parts of the body for the purposes of cleaning or beautifying, in particular the face.

Although cosmetics are part of our daily lives, many people associate the word cosmetic exclusively with facial care products, perfumes or make-up products. However, many other products that you use regularly are cosmetic as well. In addition to those related to facials and makeup, the following are included:

• Soaps and deodorants.
• External intimate hygiene products.
• Perfumes and cologne.
• Oral care products.
• Preparation for bath and shower.
• All nail and lip care products.
• Depilatory products.
• Products related to the hygiene, color and beauty of the hair.
• Sunscreens and sunless tanning products.

Labeling of a cosmetic voucher

Regarding the labeling of a cosmetic product, the containers and packaging must include :

• Product name.
• Name or company name and address of the manufacturer.
• Weight or volume.
• Expiration date.
• Manufacturing batch number.
• Native country.
• Special precautions for use.
• Product function.

What is the INCI of a cosmetic?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient. It is a name that is used internationally to name all the ingredients of cosmetics. The label of all cosmetics must include the list of ingredients in an INCI nomenclature, classified according to their importance and their proportion in the formula.

According to this, the first components are those that are found in larger quantities and the last are those that are present in smaller quantities. That’s why, in a good cosmetic that boasts an ingredient’s fantastic properties, it should appear at the top of the list.

How are the plant ingredients identified?

In a good cosmetic, the plant ingredients are at the top of the list. To identify them, you should know that the Latin name of the plant is used followed by :

• Aqua, water or distilate : for hydrosols and floral waters.
• Extract : for extracts.
• Oil : for oils.
• Butter : for vegetable butters.
• Wax : for vegetable waxes.

On the other hand, the term perfume can denote any substance added to the cosmetic in order to perfume it. This name can include a natural essential oil or ingredients suspected of being carcinogenic, such as toluene or phthalates. In a good cosmetic, it is usually stated that it is an essential oil.

Tips for preserving cosmetics

When opening a cosmetic product, in addition to looking at the PAO indicator, acronym for Period After Opening or period after opening, you should follow certain recommendations so that its properties remain unchanged.

PAO may vary depending on the following factors:

• Type of container used.
• Whether or not it contains preservatives.
• Type of cosmetic formula.
• Also, if it is a product for sensitive skin.
• And finally, the area of ​​the body where the product is to be applied.

It is also advisable to store cosmetics in a cool, dry place away from light. When handling them with your fingers, it is advisable to wash your hands before and after each use, sealing the container tightly once you have used it.

In the case of sunscreens, you must renew them every year, because it can happen that the filters that make up their formula have lost their effectiveness. And above all, if when you open a cosmetic you notice that it has lost its smell and color, either because its texture is watery, or because it does not smell good, it is better not to use it.

Therefore, to avoid unwanted effects such as irritation or allergies, it is best to follow the recommendations indicated on the packaging of each product, discarding it after the stated date of use has passed.

Conclusion

To identify a good cosmetic, you need to look at its label ; so that you can check its composition if the ingredients appear in the right proportions. In addition to knowing its indications, it must be adapted to your skin type.