Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration, so the first five tell you most of what a product is. Look for what you know suits you, patch test anything new, and remember that natural does not automatically mean gentle.
At the front desk we are often handed a jar and asked whether it is any good. Usually the answer depends on the person using it. Still, a few principles make any label easier to read.
Three rules of thumb
- The first five ingredients make up most of the formula.
- Fragrance and essential oils are a common source of sensitivity, even when they are plant-derived.
- A long list is not worse than a short one. It is the specific ingredients that matter.
Natural and gentle are not the same word. Some of the strongest ingredients on our shelves grew in a garden.
Priya Dunmore, Skin Therapist
Book online in a minute or call the front desk on (555) 214-7730.
Patch testing at home
Before using something new on your face, apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm or behind the ear for a couple of days. If there is no redness or itching, try it on a small area of your face next. It is slow, but it saves a lot of discomfort.
Questions About This Post
What does fragrance-free mean?
It means no fragrance has been added for scent. The product may still have a mild natural smell from its ingredients.
Are expensive products better?
Not reliably. Texture and packaging add cost. Many simple, affordable products work beautifully.
Can you check my products at a facial?
Yes. Bring them along and your esthetician will talk you through them.
Notes from the treatment rooms on massage, skin and rest, written in plain language by the people who do the work every day.