The back of a skincare product tells you more than the front. Here is how to read it.
The ingredient list. In Europe, ingredients are listed under their standard international names, from the largest amount to the smallest. Ingredients that make up less than 1% can appear in any order at the end. So the first few names are what the product is mostly made of.
The open jar symbol. A small drawing of a jar with a number and the letter M, such as 12M, tells you how many months the product stays good after you open it.
The volume. Shown in millilitres, often next to an “e” mark, which means the amount was measured to European standards.
Who is responsible. Every cosmetic sold in Europe names a company and an address. That is who to contact with a question about the product.
Reading the label takes a minute, and it’s the most reliable way to know what you are buying.
