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Read any cosmetic label in two minutes: INCI order, concentration claims, and the marketing words that mean nothing.
INGREDIENTS · BEGINNER · 2 lessons
Lesson 1 · 10 min
Two Minutes Per Label
## The scan pattern
1. **First five ingredients** — this is the product's real identity
2. **Find phenoxyethanol** (or any preservative) — everything after it is sub-1%
3. **Locate the star ingredient** — if the hero active sits after the preservative, it is garnish, not content
4. **Check "free from" claims** against the list** — marketing on the front, facts on the back
Concentration matters: 2% niacinamide and 10% niacinamide are different products wearing the same name.
Lesson 2 · 8 min
Claims, Certifications, and Hot Air
## Words that mean something
- **"Fragrance-free"** — no parfum in the INCI (verifiable)
- **"Non-comedogenic"** — a convention, not a regulated standard (see our glossary entry)
- **"Clinically tested"** — ask: on how many people, measuring what, for how long
## Words that mean nothing
"Dermatologist-recommended" without a study. "Chemical-free" (everything is chemicals). "Clean" (unregulated everywhere).
The Coyglow standard: every efficacy claim on our site links to the study or the concentration that supports it.