This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

VERGE Online Book Shop - Save $5 Off - Use Code SAVE-5 - Shop Now


Looking Beyond Beauty Product Labels

Beyond Beauty Product Labels_Consumers demand more transparency

Do you understand all the ingredients contained in your personal care products? If no, then you’re not alone. Researchers found that although consumer demand for ingredient information is on the rise, most consumers still do not understand many of the ingredients listed on food and personal care product labels.

According to Label Insight’s 2017 Ingredient Confusion Study, 81 percent of those surveyed sometimes do not recognize the ingredients on the labels of personal care products, and only 2 percent of women said they always understand what all the ingredients are.

  In June 2017, researchers surveyed at least 1,000 men and women, ages 18 and up to better understand how consumers’ confusion about the ingredients listed on product labels impacts their purchasing behavior. 72 percent were women, 28 percent were men, and 50 percent were between the ages of 18-35. 

Some Key Insights

Confusion about ingredients listed on product labels impacts how much consumers trust brands and whether or not they will continue to buy the product in the future. In fact, the researchers also found that when consumers better understand the ingredients listed on products, not only are they more likely to trust the brand more, but 48 percent of the consumers were willing to pay more for personal care products containing ingredients they understand or recognize. 

Another key insight gained from the study, was that when label ingredients are clearly defined, it alleviates confusion and concern for consumers. For instance, when presented with a confusing, but harmless, ingredient, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 88 percent of the research participants were not familiar with it and 49 percent said they would not be comfortable buying a product that contained it. However, once it was defined as a liquid form of vitamin C used in cosmetics and personal care products that enables the vitamin C to penetrate the skin more effectively, there was a 43 percent increase in those who say they would be "very comfortable" purchasing the product.

____________________________  

Look Beyond Product Labels_Health and Beauty

____________________________  

How Consumers Can Become More Informed

According to researchers at Label Insight, industries are responding to the consumer demand for more product label transparency by giving consumers the tools they need to improve their understanding about product ingredients with SmartLabel, which can be accessed by using their website or by downloading the free app. 

"Women in particular are concerned about what is in their personal care products - from lotion to shampoo to sunscreen - and will make buying decisions based on ingredient data. It will be important for manufacturers to respond and to provide solutions such as SmartLabel in order to address these demands," said Kira Karapetian, Vice President of Marketing for Label Insight.

SmartLabel™ gives consumers a way to access more detailed product information about a wide range of food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products. It's fast and easy to use, with a consistent digital format that shares accurate product data directly from the manufacturer. 

For more information on how to use SmartLabel™ visit: smartlabel.org. To do a quick product search, click here

You can also search product label ingredient information at EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, which lists overall hazard rankings, including cancer risk levels, use restrictions, and allergies and immunotoxicity levels for numerous personal care products ranging from low, moderate, to high. EWG’s Cosmetic Database also contains a data availability rating, which reflects how much scientists know or do not know about a product based on the level of research conducted.

For more information about EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, visit: ewg.org.  

Photographs by Getty Images

Read more health, beauty and skincare tips featured in the digital issues of VERGE Lifestyle & Urban Culture magazine. Click here to download the latest issues now and become inspired!

VERGE ONLINE BOOKSTORE

Books for Personal Growth

Save $5 Off Your First Order - Sale ends March 1st


Lifestyle & Well-Being

Valentine's Day Appetizer Recipes

Valentine’s Day Appetizers

Make date night more fun with these delicious recipes.

4 Ways to Wear Your Scarf This Season

Wearing a chic scarf is a simple way to enhance your signature style. 

9 Healthy Ways to Embrace Your Naturally Curly Hair

Hair Care Tips for Naturally Curly Hair

Nine healthy ways to embrace your natural locks.

VERGE Lifestyle Bookstore

Holistic. Authentic. Empowering.

You May Also Like...

How Being the Favorite Child Can Impact You as an Adult_VERGE Lifestyle Magazine

Are You the Favorite?

How being the favorite child can impact you as an adult.

Cider-Braised Lamb Shoulder Stew Recipe_VERGE Lifestyle Magazine

Cider-Braised Lamb Shoulder Stew

This recipe is packed with protein and flavor for a healthy cozy meal.

Black Joy Playbook and Other Nonfiction Books by Black Women to Read Now_VERGE Lifestyle Magazine

Nonfiction Books by Black Women

February is Black History Month. Explore our niche collection of nonfiction books from self-help to biography and memoirs. 


VERGE Digital

It's never too late to read the back issues.