The ingredient list on the back of a skincare product looks like chemistry homework, but it follows rules. Knowing three of them makes most labels readable.
Rule 1: the list is in order
US labeling law (21 CFR 701.3) requires cosmetic ingredients to be listed in descending order of predominance. The first ingredient is the biggest share of the formula, the second is next, and so on. That's why water is usually first: most washes and moisturizers are mostly water. The practical takeaway is that the first handful of ingredients tells you most of what the product is.
Rule 2: the order stops mattering at 1%
Under the same rule, ingredients present at 1% or less can be listed in any order after the ones above 1%. So the bottom half of a long list says very little about how much of anything you're getting — an ingredient near the end could be just under 1% or a trace.
Rule 3: "fragrance" is one word for a blend
The law lets a fragrance blend be listed as just "fragrance," without naming what's in it. If scented products bother your skin, that single word is the one to watch for. Our own moisturizer is fragrance-free and says so on its label; if a product of ours ever includes fragrance, we'll say so plainly on its page — we'd rather tell you now than have you find out at home.
Face versus body
When a label says "face" or "body," that's a formulation statement, not marketing noise. Facial skin is thinner and more exposed, and products labeled for the face are built for that. Take the label as a reasonable starting point for where a product belongs.
What we do about it
Every Anders product page has a "What's in it. What's not." section in plain language, before you ever flip a bottle over.
General education, not medical advice, and not a claim about any Anders product.