How to Read Labels

Shopping for natural, non-toxic, and ethical skincare can feel overwhelming with all the labels, symbols, and certifications on products. What do they actually mean? How can you tell if a product truly aligns with your values?

At Gorecki’s Home Goods LLC we believe in transparency and helping you make informed choices. This guide will break down how to read labels effectively, spot misleading marketing terms, and understand which certifications matter when choosing cosmetics and skincare products.

1. Understanding the Ingredients List (INCI Names vs. Common Names)

When reading a product label, the Ingredients List is one of the most important sections. It follows the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system, meaning ingredients are listed by their scientific names, which can sometimes look unfamiliar.

✅ Key Tips for Reading Ingredients:

  • Ingredients are listed in descending order—the first few ingredients make up most of the product.
  • Avoid harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and artificial fragrances.
  • Look for plant-based and organic ingredients, which may be listed by their Latin botanical names (e.g., Butyrospermum parkii = Shea Butter).
  • Be cautious of greenwashing—a brand may market a product as “natural,” but if you see synthetic ingredients at the top of the list, it may not be as natural as it seems.

2. How to Identify Authentic Certifications

Many brands use buzzwords like “organic,” “clean,” or “natural” without real certification backing them up. Recognizing official logos and certifications can help ensure you’re purchasing a truly ethical product.

🌱 Organic & Sustainable Sourcing

  • USDA Organic: Ensures at least 95% organic ingredients, free from synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial additives.
  • ECOCERT: Common in European skincare, requires natural or organic ingredients and sustainable farming practices.
  • RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil): Ensures palm oil is responsibly sourced to prevent deforestation and habitat destruction.

🐰 Cruelty-Free & Vegan

  • Leaping Bunny: Guarantees that no animal testing is used in any stage of product development.
  • Vegan Certified: Ensures products contain no animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, or carmine.

♻️ Ethical & Fair Trade

  • Fair Trade Certified: Ensures that ingredients are sourced ethically, with fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers.
  • B Corp Certified: Recognizes businesses with high environmental and social responsibility standards.

🕌 Religious & Cultural Certifications

  • Halal Certified: Ensures no alcohol, pork-derived ingredients, or unethical production practices are used.
  • Kosher Certified: Indicates compliance with Jewish dietary laws, ensuring purity and proper ingredient sourcing.

🛑 Non-Toxic & Allergen-Free

  • EWG Verified (Environmental Working Group): Confirms the product contains no harmful chemicals and meets strict safety standards.
  • Non-GMO Verified: Ensures that no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used in the product.

3. Spotting Misleading Marketing Terms (Greenwashing)

Some brands use deceptive marketing to make their products appear cleaner than they actually are. Here are a few common red flags to watch out for:

🚨 “Natural” or “Eco-Friendly” Without Certification → These words are unregulated and don’t guarantee the product is free from synthetic chemicals.

🚨 “Fragrance” or “Parfum” on the Ingredients List → This can be a catch-all term that includes hidden synthetic chemicals. Look for products that use essential oils instead.

🚨 “Dermatologist Tested” → This doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic or natural—it only means a dermatologist was involved in some way.

🚨 “Chemical-Free” → Technically, everything is made of chemicals, including water! Instead, look for non-toxic or naturally derived ingredients.

🚨 “Sulfate-Free” or “Paraben-Free” Without More Information → While avoiding sulfates and parabens is great, check the full ingredient list to ensure other harsh chemicals aren’t being used as substitutes.

4. Understanding Packaging Symbols & Sustainability

Beyond the ingredients and certifications, packaging symbols can provide valuable insight into the sustainability of a product.

♻️ Recyclable Packaging → Look for the recycling symbol to ensure the container can be recycled after use.

🌎 Zero Waste or Refillable → Some brands offer compostable, biodegradable, or refillable packaging to reduce waste.

🐇 Not Tested on Animals → Look for the Leaping Bunny or Vegan certification to confirm cruelty-free status.

📅 Expiration Date or PAO (Period After Opening) Symbol → This symbol (e.g., 6M or 12M) indicates how many months a product remains effective after opening.

5. How Gorecki’s Home Goods Prioritizes Ingredient Quality & Transparency

We carefully evaluate our ingredients, suppliers, and production methods to align with ethical and sustainable practices. While we are not certified by all these organizations, we prioritize:
✔ Fair Trade & Responsibly Sourced Ingredients
✔ Non-GMO & Organic whenever possible
✔ Cruelty-Free, No Animal Testing
✔ Minimalist, Non-Toxic Formulations
✔ Sustainable & Recyclable Packaging

We believe you deserve to know what you’re putting on your skin, and we are committed to ingredient transparency.

Final Thoughts: Making Confident & Conscious Purchases

Understanding labels, certifications, and ingredients empowers you to make healthier, more ethical choices for yourself and the planet. Here are a few final tips when shopping for skincare and cosmetics:

✅ Look for trusted certifications rather than vague marketing terms.
✅ Read the full ingredients list, not just the front label.
✅ Avoid unnecessary synthetic chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
✅ Support brands committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
✅ When in doubt, research the brand and their values!

We hope this guide helps you shop smarter and more confidently!