My personal favorite is the blend of Western and Korean cosmetics. For me, the key to beautiful skin lies in good ingredients. That’s why I look for products that avoid harmful substances like Perfume or Parabens. By combining the best of both worlds, I achieve a skincare routine that nourishes and enhances my skin’s natural beauty. Trusting in high-quality ingredients is the secret to unlocking radiant and healthy skin.
When it comes to skincare, I rely more on INCI lists than just marketing claims. For me, the proof lies in the percentages of extracts, actives and moisturizing ingredients. I seek out products that boast high concentrations of these beneficial components. By prioritizing quality over hype, I can truly nourish my skin and achieve the results I desire. However, the lengthy ingredient lists often found on Korean products can be overwhelming to decipher. Thus, I will unravel the mystery behind ingredient lists and provide you with a guide to understanding them, ensuring you make informed choices about the products you bring into your skincare routine.
Understanding INCI Lists:
INCI, which stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, is a standardized system used globally to list ingredients in skincare and beauty products. These lists are written in scientific terms, making it crucial to understand the order and concentration of ingredients for a more accurate assessment of a product’s formulation. Please note that there are different ingredient listing regulations across countries. In Korea, for example, compounds can be grouped together, whereas in the EU, they must be listed individually. It means depending on the origin of the ingredients list you are looking at, you will probably come to a different conclusion.
Example:
In Korea: Panax Ginseng Root Extract (100% Extract)
In the EU: Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract
The Rule of Concentration:
When reading an INCI list, it’s important to note that ingredients are typically listed in descending order of concentration. This means that the first ingredient listed is present in the highest percentage, while the last ingredient has the lowest concentration. Understanding this rule allows you to gauge how prominent each component is within the overall formulation.
Navigating Korean Ingredient Lists:
Korean beauty products often feature a longer list of ingredients compared to their counterparts from other regions. While this can be initially overwhelming, it’s important to remember that a longer list doesn’t necessarily imply a higher concentration of potentially harmful substances. Instead, it signifies the inclusion of various beneficial ingredients, contributing to the comprehensive approach of Korean skincare.
Tips for Reading INCI Lists:
- Know Your Priorities: Familiarize yourself with ingredients that work well with your skin type or address specific concerns. By recognizing these ingredients, you can quickly identify if a product aligns with your skincare goals.
- Consider the Last Ingredients: While ingredients listed towards the end have lower concentrations, they can still offer beneficial properties. Keep an eye out for potential allergens or irritants if you have sensitive skin.
- Do Your Research: When encountering unfamiliar ingredients, take the time to research their purpose and potential effects. Numerous online resources and databases can provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of specific components.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you’re uncertain about a particular ingredient or have specific skincare concerns, consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can offer personalized guidance.
INCI Analyzer Tools
Online tools like SkinCarisma, INCIDecoder, or German tools like CodeCheck can assist you in understanding the composition of your favorite products. With these innovative platforms, you can effortlessly decode complex ingredient lists, gaining valuable insights into potential allergens, irritants, and beneficial components. However, it’s important to note that these decoders can be very picky, often flagging ingredients that are necessary for product preservation or provide specific benefits. For instance, personally, I’ve found that my sensitive skin tolerates, for example, a very low concentrations of Dimethicone or Disodium EDTA. Skincare formulations are a delicate balance, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your skin’s unique needs and preferences while utilizing ingredient decoders as helpful tools in your skincare journey.