How to read an ingredient list

Step by step

1. 01

   Read the first four ingredients

   They make up most of the product. Everything you need to know about texture is usually there.

2. 02

   Find the hero ingredient

   Whatever is named on the front, locate its INCI name in the list and note how far down it sits.

3. 03

   Scan for the allergen block

   Fragrance allergens are listed at the end — linalool, limonene, citral and similar. Useful if you know you react to any.

4. 04

   Check the symbols

   The open-jar symbol gives the period after opening. The hourglass, when present, gives a fixed expiry.

Tips

• —Latin names look intimidating and are actually the most reliable part of the pack.