Reading skincare labels shouldn’t feel like decoding a science experiment—but it often does.
Between confusing names and hidden ingredients, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? Once you know what to look for (and what to avoid), you’ll never get fooled again. Let’s break it down:
1. The First 5 Ingredients Matter Most
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. That means the first 5 make up the majority of the product.
Look for:
- Natural butters (shea, mango, cocoa)
- Plant oils (coconut, jojoba, sweet almond)
- Aloe vera, herbal extracts
Avoid if the first 5 include:
- Water (unless it’s a lotion; for butters, this waters it down)
- Mineral oil or petrolatum
- Alcohols (can dry out the skin)
- Synthetic fragrance
2. Watch for “Fragrance” or “Parfum”
Sounds innocent, right? But that one word can contain hundreds of unlisted chemicals. Brands aren’t required to disclose what’s in their “fragrance blend.”
Look for:
- Products scented with essential oils or plant extracts
- Fragrance-free options for sensitive skin
3. Know the Red Flags
Here’s your quick “no-no” list:
- Parablens(methylparaben, butylparaben)
- Phthalates
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
- Propylene Glycol
- PEG compounds
- Colorants or dyes (FD&C or D&C)
These are often linked to hormone disruption, allergies, or skin sensitivity.
4. Don’t Be Fooled by Buzzwords
“Natural,” “green,” or “clean” don’t mean much legally. Companies can use these terms without any real standards.
Instead, look at the actual ingredients. Trust brands that are transparent and happy to explain what’s in their products (like us!).
5. Keep It Simple
If a label reads like a recipe you’d use in your own kitchen—that’s a good sign.
If it looks like a chemistry set—think twice.
Bottom Line:
Reading labels gives you control. You don’t need a degree in chemistry—just a quick cheat sheet and a brand you trust.
That’s why every ingredient we use is listed clearly and chosen with care—because what you put on your skin should nourish it, not harm it.
Want to see clean labels in action?
Shop our butters at https://www.elinasbodybutter.com and see the difference transparency makes.