Things to look for on any skincare product label

Active ingredients. Ingredients are listed in descending order to 1 percent, starting with the largest amount in the product (often water). Ingredients with less than 1 percent can be listed in any order. Check the concentration of ingredients. Many products listing Co-Q10, a substance that helps prevent damage to lipids on the skin’s surface, contain significantly less than the label claims. Look for the USP-verified symbol to be sure you’re getting what you paid for. If you aren’t familiar with an ingredient, check a credible website to see how it works.book now

Expiration date. Expired products can carry harmful bacteria that can cause irritation, rashes, blemishes and skin infections. Look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol—a floating lid and jar with a number followed by an “M” on it. This symbol tells you how long your product is good for after opening. If the PAO symbol has a 12M on it, the product will expire 12 months after you break the seal or pop the lid. Jot down the date you open the container so you’ll know when to dispose of any unused product. Also, look for a lot number. The lot number ensures that the product is traceable back to its origins in case anything should ever go wrong (just like in food).book now

Physical sunscreen. Your moisturizer should contain a physical sunblock with an SPF 30 or greater. your lip balm or lipstick should have a physical sunblock with an SPF 15 or greater. Physical sunblock acts as a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays.booknow