How to Understand the Ingredients List on Your Hair and Skin Care Products
Sis, let’s talk about ingredient labels. With so many products out there, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s good for your hair—and more importantly, what's safe. Studies have shown that many products targeted at Black women contain harmful chemicals that could potentially lead to serious health issues, like fibroids or even cancer. That's why more and more of us are becoming ingredient-conscious and looking for natural alternatives that keep our curls and our health safe.
At Koshajay Essentials, we’re super picky about what goes into our products. We check every single label and only use natural, safe ingredients that we know work for your hair without compromising your health. No parabens, sulphates, silicones, or artificial fragrances here. Our goal is to give you products that are effective, safe, and eczema-friendly. So let’s dive into how you can start reading ingredient labels like a pro and make better choices for your hair!
Two Things You Need to Know About Ingredient Labels:
1. INCI Names Are Important
Okay, sis—let’s get real. Those long, unpronounceable words? They're the INCI (International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients) names, and yes, they’re a legal requirement. But don’t let them scare you! Usually, the more familiar names (like Aloe Vera or Coconut Oil) will be in parentheses right after the INCI name. If there’s something you don’t recognize, take a moment to Google it and make sure it’s safe to use on your hair.
2. Order of Ingredients Matters
Here's the thing—ingredients are listed in descending order of weight. That means the first ingredient on the list is the most abundant in the product, and the last one is present in the smallest amount. However, anything making up less than 1% can be listed in any order, so keep that in mind.
For example, let’s take a look at the ingredient list for our Shine & Define Twisting Gel , one of our products:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Collagen, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis (Nori) Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Biotin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, and Ayurvedic Essential Oils.
If you look closely, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(Aloe Vera) is the first ingredient, followed by Glycerin and JuJuBe Fruit. This tells you that this product is designed to hydrate and moisturize—because Aloe Vera is the base of any good moisturizer. If you're looking for hydration, always check for water to be listed as the first ingredient!
Why Does This Matter?
When you start paying attention to ingredient lists, you’ll notice patterns. For example, if you find that products with glycerin high up on the list don’t work for your hair, but you’re okay with it further down the list, you can start making better decisions for your routine. This kind of awareness helps you know which ingredients your hair loves (and which ones it hates) without the trial and error.
Sis, It’s Worth the Effort!
Taking the time to understand ingredient labels is so important for the health of your hair—and your body. When you know what you're putting on your hair, you’re making a conscious choice to protect your curls and your well-being. So, next time you're shopping for hair products, don’t just grab the first thing you see—take a minute to read the label and make sure it’s right for you.
Are You Ready to Take Better Care of Your Hair?
At Koshajay Essentials, we’ve done the hard work for you. We carefully select ingredients that nourish, protect, and enhance your curls, so you can focus on rocking your natural beauty without any worries. Want to learn more about the best natural ways to take care of your hair? Visit us at www.KoshajayEssentials.com and start your journey to healthy, gorgeous curls today!
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