From shelf to skin: how to read a skincare label

BEAUTY

May 27, 2025

Standing in front of a shelf full of beautifully packaged products can feel overwhelming, especially when the ingredient lists read like science textbooks.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Wait… is this actually good for my skin?”, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to read a skincare label in a way that’s simple, human, and helpful, no chemistry degree required.

WHY INGREDIENT LITERACY MATTERS?

Knowing what’s in your products isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment. When you understand the basics, you can:

Choose what aligns with your skin’s real needs.
Support brands that are transparent and honest.
Avoid ingredients that don’t feel right for you.

At Sowll, we believe in conscious consumption, not perfection. This is about awareness, not overwhelm.

THE FIRST FIVE: WHERE YOU SOULD ALWAYS LOOK

In most skincare products, the first five ingredients make up the bulk of the formula. That’s where your eyes should go first.

If water (aqua) is listed first, that’s normal. It’s the base of most products.
After that, look for active ingredients (like glycerin, niacinamide, or plant oils) early on, that means they’re present in meaningful amounts.
If something you're excited about is near the bottom? It might just be marketing.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

You don’t need to know every ingredient, just the ones that show your skin real care. These are some of the most effective and gentle ingredients found in the clean beauty formulas we love at Sowll:

Hydrators

Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and betaine: Help retain moisture and support your skin barrier.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C, green tea extract, niacinamide and resveratrol: Brighten, even tone, and protect from pollution.

Soothers

Centella asiatica, calendula, chamomile and allantoin: Calm sensitive or reactive skin.

Gentle oils

Jojoba, squalane, rosehip and prickly pear seed oil: Nourish and enhance elasticity without clogging pores.

INGREDIENTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO QUESTION

Everyone’s skin is different, so these aren’t universal villains. But here are a few ingredients some prefer to avoid:

Synthetic fragrance (parfum): can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin.
Drying alcohols (like denat. alcohol): can disrupt your skin barrier in high amounts.
Colorants or dyes: not harmful, but often unnecessary. Instead of fear, approach these with curiosity. Ask: Does this make sense for me?

BONUS TIP: LESS ISN'T ALWAYS MORE

A short ingredient list doesn’t always mean better. What matters is how the ingredients are sourced, combined, and formulated. A well-made product with 20 ingredients can be gentler than a poorly made one with five.

Reading a skincare label doesn’t have to feel like decoding.
Start with curiosity. Focus on the first five. Learn the names that nourish your skin and don’t stress over the rest. What matters most is how your skin feels, not how impressive the ingredient list looks.