Cosmetics Literacy: Ingredients and Usage Method
2019/08/04
Untill 2000, listing all the ingredients on cosmetics
back label was not compulsory with regard to Japanese laws.
The obligation of listing was limited to only 103 specific
components which were regarded as susceptible
to allergies or irritations to customers.
However, since April 2001, the law was upgraded
to encompass the display of all ingredients.
But, although all ingredients are listed now on the cosmetics packages,
how many of you do fully understand cosmetics ingredients labels?
Are these ingredients labels useful to make the best choice?
Japanese cosmetics ingredients labels
There are various problems related to the cosmetics ingredients labels,
here are some of the concerns I have heard from my clients:
“I don’t know the criteria based on which I can choose a product that suits me the best…”
“I had chosen the product because it was labeled as organic,
but when I used it, eczema apeared on my face and back.”
Moreover, “I don’t want to use those products containing chemical components.
I prefer to make my cosmetics by myself!”
Although there are many other aspects that should be considered
as well such as the contents of the products, the price, the method
of purchase, etc., today I will try to explain about ingredients
labels found on Japanese cosmetics and how to read them.
Usually, the ingredients are grouped and displayed by category:
◆ Specific components
This category shows only any of the 103 ingredients that might
cause irritation or allergies, depending on the person.
◆ Additive-free
But, it might still contain synthetic surfactants, synthetic polymers,
silicone oils, synthetic preservatives, tar pigments, chemically synthesized
components derived from petroleum, etc.
◆ Organic cosmetics
Organic cosmetics appear to be the most suitable, but in Japan,
the definition of this category includes a wide range of products which,
unlike the above two categories, use natural agents such as plants and natural minerals.
The problem is that the products that are sold in the Japanese market
are not only those whose the categories’ boundaries are clearly separated.
Also, when purchasing products according to their purpose, then the usage might vary.
So, it is very important to consider what is the point that you connot compromise with.
to the toes, and even inside the mouth.
So, if you are using so many products with various ingredient’s categories,
then how can you manage to choose them?
I think this is why getting some cosmetics literacy is important… (^^)
One other problem regarding the ingredients is when one
displayed name can refer to different contents.
to plant-based substances or oil-derived products that can be harmful to hair and skin.
Surfactants can also be very harmful and destroy the skin barrier.
So they shouldn’t be used continuously.
The category of products used everyday are mainly face wash,
shampoos, and body wash, but quite often it is enough
to wash away the sweat with only hot water.
I myself wash my face in the morning using lukewarm water only.
I think it is enough to not get it dry.
As base makeup, I use herbal products which are
clinically formulated with a firm moisturizing effect.
And then, I apply a very gentle foundation to the skin
Because I have the opportunity to meet many people in my job,
For point makeup, M.A.C has the richest color palette (do you agree?).
If there is anything that one should not be flexible about, it is the lips.
Whatever brand you use, your lips will get rough soon after (tears),
I use herb magic lip color palette.
It is a hypoallergenic product that is almost a tinted lip balm.
I think that my skin does not probably look too weak
from its appearance, but it definitely is sober.
I also always wear comfortable underwear made
from natural materials such as cotton or silk!
If you wear synthetic underwear, you are at risk to get eczema.
So, layering with natural materials is essential. (^ ^)
Yet, there are so many other things to mention,
but I will finish it around here today.
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