Start with the Ingredients List

Skincare labels aren't just a jumble - there's a method to the madness. By law, ingredients must be listed in order of decreasing concentration. The exception? Ingredients making up less than 1% can be listed in any order after everything else.

Why this matters: you'll often see essential oils, botanical extracts, or actives at the very end - not always a bad thing, because some powerful ingredients should be in tiny doses to avoid irritation. But if your hero ingredient is hiding down there, that's a red flag. (And nobody needs any more of those)

What to look for:

• Actives up top - If the ingredient you're buying it for (like Aloe Vera, Rosehip Oil, or Hyaluronic Acid) is at the end of the list, you're probably not getting much of it.
• Whole plant extracts & oils - Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Jojoba Oil, or Shea Butter are promising signs of nourishing, skin-friendly formulas.

What to watch out for (even in 'natural' skincare):

These nasties can sneak into formulas under friendly-sounding names: Parabens - may appear as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, or Butylparaben.

• Synthetic fragrances - often just listed as "Fragrance" or "Parfum" (these can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals).
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - a harsh foaming agent that can strip skin.
• Phenoxyethanol - a synthetic preservative; some people are sensitive to it.
• Petroleum-derived ingredients - like Mineral Oil or Paraffinum Liquidum.

Don't Be Fooled by Long, Sciencey Names

Just because something sounds like it belongs in a chemistry lab doesn't mean it's bad. For example, "Sodium Hyaluronate" is simply the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid (great for hydration), "Cetearyl Alcohol" is a fatty alcohol that's actually soothing for the skin, and "Ascorbyl Glucoside" is a stabilised, water-soluble form of Vitamin C.

On the flip side, some chemical-sounding names are worth steering clear of (remember our watch list above). The trick is knowing which is which (and that's what this blog is for!).

Know Your Certifications

If you want to avoid hidden synthetics, certifications are your shortcut. Certified Organic logos indicate that a product has been independently verified for ingredient quality, sourcing, and safety. But not all logos are equal - some are stricter than others.

With Australian Certified Organic (ACO), for example, you can be sure the product:

• Contains a high percentage of organic ingredients (not just a token amount)
• Has no GMOs, synthetic colours, parabens, or artificial fragrances
• Meets strict environmental and sustainability standards

Think of certification like a friend who has already read the fine print for you. It's peace of mind for you and the skincare brand - like us!

Match the Label to Your Skin Goals

At the end of the day, reading a skincare label is about knowing whether what's inside will help you reach your actual skin goals. Please avoid buying organic skincare products that contain exfoliating acids if your skin is extremely sensitive.

Quick guide:

• Dry skin → Look for fatty, rich oils (Avocado, Shea, Cocoa butter) and humectants (Aloe Vera, Glycerin).
• Oily skin → Use lightweight hydrators (Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid) and gentle balancing extracts (Witch Hazel, Green Tea).
• Sensitive skin → Enjoy calming botanicals (Chamomile, Calendula, Cucumber) and skip artificial fragrance altogether. (We don't mean to brag, but our entire range is suitable for sensitive skin.)

Understand the 'Free From' Claims

Labels often shout about what's not inside - "paraben-free," "SLS-free." That's a good start, but make sure the rest of the formula is genuinely good for your skin, not just free of one thing.

Why This Matters for Your Skin Goals

When you know how to read a label, you're in control. You can choose skincare that actually matches your needs (and skip wasting money on products that don't deliver).

It's the exact reason our Certified Organic Skin Goal Sets are designed the way they are. Each one is built around high-quality, plant-based ingredients chosen for a specific skin type or concern - no fillers, no fluff, and always clearly labelled so you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

Your skin deserves the good stuff - now you'll know how to spot it.