Reading Skincare Labels Doesn't Have To Be Confusing

At Poetry Skincare, we believe that understanding what goes on your skin, the body’s largest and most expressive organ, is paramount. We are committed to transparency and cutting through the unnecessary jargon that often clouds the beauty industry. You shouldn’t need a degree in chemistry to decipher the ingredients in your skincare products.

Many commonly used ingredients in the beauty industry can be sensitising, irritating, or even harmful. Here's what to look out for when you're reading a beauty product label:

1. Scrutinize Natural Claims: Just because a brand labels a product as "natural" doesn’t mean every ingredient meets that standard. At Poetry Skincare, natural ingredients are those that have only undergone physical processes or fermentation. Derived natural ingredients are chemically processed from natural sources, while nature-identical ingredients, such as certain preservatives, are lab-reproduced but found in nature and are included only when necessary to ensure safety or to avoid overly chemical extraction processes.

2. Quality Matters: Many brands tout products with high numbers of ‘hero’ active ingredients as a marketing tool but dilute them with fillers that may not benefit your skin. At Poetry Skincare, we pack our formulations with effective and active ingredients in concentrations that align with scientific recommendations, ensuring efficacy without compromise.

3. Understand Ingredient Listings: Ingredients are listed by concentration, from highest to lowest. If a product promotes certain ‘star’ ingredients that appear far down the list, their effectiveness may be minimal. However, some ingredients are potent even in small quantities, so always research unfamiliar names.

4. Get to Know Your Ingredients: Don’t be intimidated by Latin names or complex chemical terms. For instance, "Rubus idaeus" simply means raspberry. At Poetry Skincare, we list the common names in brackets for clarity. 

5. Be Critical of Marketing Claims: Phrases like “dermatologist tested” or “dermatologist endorsed” can be misleading. Always ask questions and seek clarity on such claims to make informed decisions.

At Poetry Skincare, we formulate our products to work in harmony, maximizing their benefits when used together. If you have questions about our range or need guidance, please reach out to us at hello@poetryskincare.com.au We’re here to help you navigate your journey to radiant, healthy skin.