We’re all familiar with ingredient lists. They list the ingredients in the product (obviously.) But you do know how to really understand the list of ingredients on a particular skincare product to know if it is the best product for you?

Ingredients are listed in order from highest concentration to lowest concentration. That means that if you are looking for an ingredient and see it down at the bottom of the list, you may not get the effects you are looking for from that ingredient.

You may need to do a little research. For example, let’s say you’re looking for a product with Vitamin C in it. You may have some trouble if you’re searching ingredient lists. That’s because the most effective form of Vitamin C in skincare products is actually called L-Ascorbic Acid – and that is what you’ll find listed on a product label!

Lastly, ditch the old adage that ‘if you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it.’ Many effective skincare products (even natural/clean ones) have long complicated names. For example, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate in the Peet Bros label pictured here. Or Tocopherol, which is Vitamin E!