Before buying skincare, you should be able to answer ten questions from the product page alone: what step it is, what exactly is in it, what it doesn’t contain, how to use it, what the warnings are, how big it is, what it costs per ml, who makes it, what happens if it doesn’t suit you, and whether the claims make sense. If a page can’t answer these, ask before you pay.
1. What step is this?
Cleanser, serum, eye product, moisturizer or sunscreen? Some products blur the lines. Make sure you know which job it does, so you don’t buy a serum expecting a moisturizer. Serum or moisturizer?
2. What exactly is in it?
Look for the full ingredient list, not a list of “key ingredients.” It should be in text you can read, not only in a photo of the box. How to read it.
3. Is there anything I avoid?
Check the list for fragrance, essential oils, specific plant extracts or anything you have reacted to before. “For sensitive skin” on the front isn’t a guarantee. There is no federal definition of “hypoallergenic,” for example.
4. How do I use it?
Amount, time of day, frequency and where to apply. If a page doesn’t say, that is a gap. Why directions matter.
5. What are the warnings?
Products with retinol, acids or other actives should carry warnings, such as sunscreen advice, pregnancy cautions and when to stop. Missing warnings on an active product are a red flag.
6. How big is it?
Find the net quantity in ml or g. Photos can make a small bottle look large.
7. What does it cost per ml?
Divide the price by the size. It’s the fairest way to compare products of different sizes.
8. Who makes it, and how do I reach them?
A real company name, a business address and a working email should be easy to find. In the US, cosmetic labels must name the manufacturer, packer or distributor. For adverse reactions there should be a clear way to report them. How we handle reaction reports.
9. What if it doesn’t suit me?
Read the return policy before buying. Can you return it opened? What if it irritates your skin? How long do you have?
10. Do the claims hold up?
- Is a percentage explained, or just a big number? What percentages tell you.
- Does “clinically proven” link to anything?
- Are certifications named, with the certifier?
- Is research about the ingredient being presented as proof about the product?
- Does the product promise to treat a condition? Cosmetics aren’t meant to.
A two-minute pre-purchase routine
- Open the full ingredient list and search it for anything you avoid.
- Read directions and warnings.
- Note size and work out price per ml.
- Check the returns section.
- Discount any claim you can’t check.
Further reading: FDA: Cosmetics labeling guide · FDA: Hypoallergenic cosmetics · FDA: Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both?
Every question above is answered on our product pages, including the full ingredient list. Start with 001 Copper Peptide Cream, or read how we write about our products.
Photography: Annie Spratt / Unsplash. Editorial photograph.