What Do the Words on My Makeup Mean?

We've all stood in front of a product that is covered in strange symbols and words. Cosmetics are subject to fairly strict labelling regulations, however, the terms used aren't always understandable (especially when you've looked at dozens of different options). 

Here is your guide to understanding what the most common terms found on cosmetics mean. 

Gluten Free

If you have Celiac Disease, are gluten intolerant, or have an allergy, seeing “gluten free” on a cosmetics label is a small blessing. Although you aren’t eating your make up (hopefully) it’s still important to get gluten free goodies. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and what you put on it gets into your system.

Any product that is labelled as being gluten free means there are less than 20 parts per million contain gluten.

According to the Canadian Celiac Association, cosmetics are subject to the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drug Act. This means that all ingredients need to be listed according to their International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) name. This system is used in Canada, the US, the EU, and Japan.

The CCA list some ingredients that you need to keep your eyes peeled for if you want to keep your cosmetics gluten free:

oats (avena)
barley (hordeum)
rye (secale)
wheat (triticum)

We like MAC Matchmaster Foundation and Pur Minerals Powder for gluten free skin products, and Physicians Formula has an extensive range of eyeshadows, bronzers, and blushes that are all gluten free. For amazing eyeliner and mascara, we like ELF Cosmetics.

Iron Oxides

This ingredient is most often found at the bottom of the ingredient list, under the heading “may contain”. This means the product might have some of this in it, but it also might not.

Iron oxides are chemical components used as coloring. This inorganic compound is used not only in cosmetics, but also in paint. As the name suggests, it contains iron and oxygen. When they mix they create a deep red hue which is then used as a pigment in lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. Different shades can also be found in over 2000 cosmetic products.

Non-Comedogenic

Finding this phrase on a product means that it has been formulated in a way that it won’t clog your pores.

This doesn’t mean that it won’t cause acne or a skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin or allergies you may still experience some problems. However, clogged pores from your foundation won’t be a contributing factor.

Paraben Free

Parabens are preservatives. Adding preservatives to cosmetics is an essential step, since they are opened and closed a lot. Parabens are formed by mixing acid and alcohol, neither of which sound like something you want to put on your face.

They also help prevent the growth of bacteria. When you dip a brush or blender into something and go back and forth between your skin and the product, you’re transferring bacteria, oil, and skin cells to the product.

In recent years, manufacturers have started developing alternatives to parabens. If your make up says it is paraben free, it still has preservatives in it, they’re just a different kind.

Titanium Dioxide

This is another chemical compound. Like iron oxides, this compound is used as a pigment and is formed when titanium and oxygen collide. However, instead of adding colour, titanium dioxide whitens and brightens. It also makes products less transparent.