Decoding your beauty labels
When it comes to the words used on the packaging of beauty products, it can be pretty overwhelming! So many makeup and skincare products include terms like ‘natural’ and ‘plant-based’, but does anyone know if that’s actually legit?! We did the digging for you.
NATURAL
The term ‘natural’ is unregulated in Australia so it can be used even if a product doesn’t contain all-natural ingredients. Make sure to read the ingredients list. The percentage of ingredients is listed highest to lowest, so look for products with natural ingredients at the top. If the list is barely understandable with tons of chemical-like names, chances are it ain’t that natural.
CRUELTY-FREE
For a brand to be considered cruelty-free, it mustn’t test its products on animals. While some products might be cruelty-free in Australia, the company still might test their products on animals in countries like China. To be considered kind to our four-legged friends, it must contain the logo of a recognised organisation such as PETA or Leaping Bunny.
VEGAN
A vegan beauty product means that it contains no animal products, animal by-products or animal derivatives. This means no beeswax or glycerin (a by-product of animal fat). Look for certifications from Vegan Action, PETA or The Vegan Society to prove this.
ORGANIC
‘Organic’ is also unregulated and can be used even if only one ingredient of the product is organic. A truly organic product has been produced without the use of chemicals, pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Keep an eye out for accreditation from organisations like Australian Certified Organic to make sure it’s legit.
PLANT-BASED
This term refers to beauty products that contain ingredients that originate from plants, flowers or leaves. But just because it says it’s plant-based, doesn’t mean it’s completely derived from nature. Some plant-based products might contain a few ingredients of plant origin, but it’s also possible that synthetic-based ingredients are present so make sure to read the label.
