Safety & Label Claims

Skincare labels use words that sound regulated but often are not. Here is what they actually mean.

Common Label Terms

Non-comedogenic: The product is formulated to be less likely to clog pores. It is not a regulated term in the US, so treat it as a helpful signal rather than a guarantee, especially for acne-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic: The maker believes the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions. There is no federal standard for this term, and anyone can still react to any ingredient.
Fragrance-free: No fragrance has been added to change the scent. Some ingredients have a natural smell of their own. "Unscented" can be different: it may contain a masking fragrance.
Dermatologist tested: A dermatologist was involved in testing the product. The claim alone does not say how many people were tested or what the results were.
Clean beauty: A marketing term without a legal definition. Different retailers use different ingredient lists to define it.

Patch Test Before You Commit

Any product can irritate someone. Try a new product on a small area for several days before using it on your whole face. Our guide on how to patch test skincare walks through the steps.

Sensitive Skin?

Start with our sensitive skin guide and introduce one new product at a time.