Faced with the huge variety of cosmetic products that invade the shelves, find yourself and make enlightened choices can sometimes look like a real headache. Between attractive marketing allegations and the often enigmatic ingredient list, it is easy to feel lost. Yet, understand what your care contains is essential to make choices suitable for your skin, your values, and to avoid unwanted substances. At Green Spa, we advocate the transparency And want to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge so that you can decipher the labels with confidence.

In this article, we will guide you through the crucial information found on packaging, logos with ingredient lists. The objective is to make you autonomous in your purchasing decisions, by favoring the quality, efficiency and safety, values ​​dear to Green Spa.

Important mentions on packaging: beyond marketing

Even before diving into the list of ingredients, several elements on the packaging can give you precious indications.

1. Labels and certifications: the guarantee of trust

   • Organic/natural: Please note, these terms are not always regulated in the same way. A "natural" product can contain only a small part of ingredients of natural origin. A certified "organic" product (by organisms such as Ecocert, Cosmébio, Cosmos Organic) guarantees a high percentage of organic ingredients and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. It is an excellent indicator of quality and commitment.

   • Cruelty-free (without animal cruelty): Indicates that the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals. In Europe, animal tests are prohibited, but this label remains relevant for brands that export or import.

   • Vegan: Means that the product contains no ingredients of animal origin (honey, beeswax, milk, etc.).

   • Tested under dermatological control: Indicates that the product has been tested on volunteers under the supervision of a dermatologist to assess its skin tolerance.

   • Made in France: An indicator of provenance and often of high manufacturing standards.

2. The expiration date / DTP (period after opening):

   • Expixion date: For products with a lifespan of less than 30 months, a deadline is indicated.

   • POO (open pot symbol with a number and a m): Indicates the number of months during which the product can be used after its opening, without risk (ex: 6m = 6 months). Respecting the PAO is crucial for the efficiency and safety of the product.

Understand the INCI list: your guide to transparency

The Inci (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list is the exhaustive list of all the ingredients in the product. It is a must, even if it may seem difficult.

• The order of ingredients: The ingredients are listed in decreasing order of concentration. The first ingredients are those which are present in greater quantity, and the last in lower quantity (generally less than 1%).

• Latin and English names: The names of the plants are often in Latin (ex: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice For aloe vera juice), and chemical ingredients in English.

• What to look for (or avoid):

  • Water (aqua): Often in first position, it is the basis of most formulations.

  • Vegetable oils and butters: Preferable to mineral oils (Paraffinum liquidum, Petrolatum) which are derived from oil and do not provide nutritious benefits to the skin.

  • Perfumes (fragrance/perfume): Can be allergens for sensitive skin. At Green Spa, we favor perfumes of natural origin or perfume -free formulas for the most delicate skin.

  • Conservatives: Indispensable for product safety, but some are to be avoided (parabens, phenoxethanol) if you are looking for more natural alternatives.

  • Silicones (end with -cone, -xane, -thiconol): They give a feeling of immediate softness but do not provide long -term care to the skin and are not very biodegradable.

  • Aggressive surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate): Can be irritating and drying for the skin.

At Green Spa, we are committed to a clear and transparent formulation. We favor ingredients of natural origin, from respectful sectors, and we strive to limit controversial substances. We want you to be confident in each product you choose from us. Take the time to read our labels, ask us your questions, and make each purchase an enlightened and aligned act with your values. Your skin and the planet will thank you!