Labels and What Do They Really Mean?

Once upon a time, in a land where rivers flow with perfectly formulated foundations, the sky the beautiful colors of Chanel's Fascination Eye Shadow Quad and the sea as aqua green as MAC's Aquadisiac, there was a decision made by the land's rulers to make labels so all the sensitive skinned Goddesses and the acne prone kittens would know what luxurious lotions and potions could be placed upon their skin. So the rulers requested that the sweet smelling lotions and flower hued blushes that were created in this magical land be labeled hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic to guide the afflicted in their beauty quest. However, the rulers also decided they were not going to keep an eye on the ingredients that went into these specifically labeled goodies and pretty much turned a blind eye. And then a gorgeous (smart, honest and funny too!) Goddess showed up to school the masses so they can truly be informed!

That's right peeps, while I am on a label bender, I figured I should give you a quick lesson about the labels that are placed on some products and what they really mean. I am here to bust up your fairy tale, while educating you in the process. 

Some of you have probably noticed when you are shopping for products, they are sometimes labeled Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic, Natural or Organic. Here is a quick lesson on all 4. 

Hypoallergenic: Basically means that the product should cause less allergic reactions than other products. There is no standard as to what makes a product hypoallergenic. The label "hypoallergenic" is not regulated by the FDA (or anyone for that matter) and the manufacturers do not have to test any ingredients to prove they will not cause an allergic reaction. It is impossible to know if a product is going to cause a reaction so your best bet is to do your own skin patch test to determine if it's good for your skin. 

Noncomedogenic: means that the product will not clog pores. Again, another term that is not regulated. I feel the best way to determine if something is going to break you out is to become familiar with ingredients that do not agree with your skin. Even though  a company may be using products that are truly noncomedogenic, it is still best to rely on your judgement of what works and doesn't work for your skin, than relying on a label that is not regulated.

Natural: This one is my favorite. First, natural is not always better. Lavender is natural, lemon is natural, both can be very irritating on your skin. Natural means the ingredients are derived from natural sources with no synthetic compounds. Guess what? Natural is NOT REGULATED! Again, read the ingredients and run for the hills if there is lavender or feverfew or any other naturally irritating crap involved. I had read somewhere that a company can call their product natural if there is a certain percentage of natural ingredients in it. Spit is natural. Can I spit in my foundation and call it natural regardless of any other ingredients? Doesn't matter because no one is watching. 

Finally, Organic: Again, organic is not regulated. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ECOCERT has a system that regulates organic plant claims. If you can meet their very strict standards you can put their USDA Organic label on your product. There are a whole bunch of other private companies that will certify your product organic, however they all have different standards for what they consider organic. So what is truly organic? Who's standards are correct? From what I've read, they will also certify you for the right price. Shocking. 

Ok so that should do it for my label ranting lately and I will be back next week with some new products for you to read about :-)
I'm also on the hunt again for a new foundation. Again. It will be a never ending quest.   

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