Clean Beauty Glossary: What Skincare Labels and Ingredients Really Mean

When shopping for skincare, understanding what’s actually in your products—and what labels really mean—can feel overwhelming.

Let's face it, skincare labels can be really confusing. From “parfum” to “cruelty-free”, many terms sound good — but what do they actually mean?

This Clean Beauty Glossary is your go-to guide for decoding ingredients, understanding certifications, and making confident, informed choices about what goes on your skin. From “clean beauty” to “natural ingredients”, and from “non-toxic” claims to “fragrance-free,” this guide helps you decode common terms and make informed, confident choices.

At Conscious Skincare, we believe in total transparency, so here’s our guide to help reading between the lines of your beauty routine.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean beauty products are typically free from controversial or potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, while also being cruelty-free and often vegan.

Clean beauty typically refers to products made without ingredients known or suspected to harm human health. But there’s no legal definition, which means brands can interpret the term in different ways. At Conscious Skincare, we define it as:

• No harmful synthetic chemicals (like parabens, phthalates, or SLS)
• Plant-based, biodegradable ingredients where possible
• Full transparency – every ingredient listed, no vague catch-alls

Our commitment is backed by trusted ethical certifications like the Vegetarian Society and PETA.

At Conscious Skincare, we go beyond buzzwords. We provide full ingredient listings for all of our products and avoid hidden catch-all terms like "parfum". Clean beauty isn’t just a trend — it’s about transparency, ingredient safety, and ethical sourcing.

Glossary of Common Skincare Terms

Parfum (Fragrance): A vague term that may contain up to 100+ undisclosed ingredients. Often includes allergens or endocrine disruptors. Look for products that use essential oils or clearly defined natural fragrances instead. [Source]

Phthalates: Often used to stabilise synthetic fragrance. Linked to hormone disruption. Not typically listed — may be hidden under "fragrance" or "parfum". [Source]

Parabens: Preservatives that can mimic oestrogen in the body. Look for labels stating "paraben-free". [Source]

Sulfates (SLS/SLES): Foaming agents that can strip natural oils and irritate sensitive skin. [Source]

Cruelty-Free: Products that haven’t been tested on animals. Look for recognised certifications like Leaping Bunny or Cruelty Free International. [Source]

Vegan Skincare: No animal-derived ingredients (e.g., beeswax, lanolin, collagen). Conscious Skincare is Vegan Approved.

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients): The standardised naming system required on skincare labels globally. These names help consumers identify real ingredients (like “Aqua” = water). It ensures transparency and consistency under cosmetics regulation. For more detail see the official INCI guide and the EU CosIng ingredient database 

More Ingredients to Know

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): Widely used in cosmetic formulations as solvents, thickeners, or softeners. PEGs may be contaminated with by-products like 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen. ([David Suzuki Foundation], [Kao Corporation])

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): A chelating agent used to stabilise formulas. It has low skin penetration and minimal toxicity at levels used in cosmetics. ([Wikipedia], [PubMed])

Methylparaben / Propylparaben: Common preservatives that can mimic oestrogen. Though widely approved for use, many brands choose to go paraben-free. ([EWG], [Breastcancer.org])

Linalool & Limonene: Naturally occurring fragrance compounds found in essential oils. Can become allergenic when oxidised, causing sensitivity reactions in some individuals. ([European Commission], [British Journal of Dermatology])

The Conscious Skincare Guide On Chemicals To Avoid

We have a handy page on our website which lists many of the terms and ingredients commonly used in the skincare and beauty industry to help you understand their meaning and what you should avoid. Discover our chemicals to avoid page for more information.

Why Full Ingredient Transparency Matters

At Conscious Skincare, we’re committed to transparency and full disclosure. Every product in our collection lists every ingredient on the label—no hidden chemicals, no vague terms. Some brands still rely on umbrella terms like “fragrance” or skip listing full ingredients altogether. 

Learn how to read a skincare label properly with this helpful Byrdie guide.

How to Spot Greenwashing

“Greenwashing” refers to brands claiming environmental values without backing it up. Vague or unsubstantiated terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural” are commonly misused and may mislead consumers.

• Claims that aren’t backed by evidence or certification
• Environmental buzzwords used without clear context
• Generic green imagery that implies sustainability without proof
• Products labelled “natural” with no ingredient transparency
• “Eco” packaging made from virgin plastic, or non-recyclable materials
• No certifications from trusted ethical organisations

Look instead for credible certifications and transparency in sourcing, production, and full ingredient disclosure.

Government and regulatory authorities are now addressing misleading claims: see the EU’s Green Claims guidance and the new Consumer Empowerment Directive (Reuters coverage).

For a consumer-friendly guide to identifying greenwashing, check out the NRDC’s “Learn to Spot Greenwashing”.

Certifications to Trust

• Vegan Society: Confirms no animal ingredients or testing (vegansociety.com)
• Leaping Bunny: Gold standard for cruelty-free cosmetics (leapingbunny.org)
• Soil Association (UK organic standard): Not used by us, but good to look for if shopping certified organic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'parfum' and why is it controversial?
It’s a generic term that can hide dozens of chemicals — many of which may cause allergies or hormone disruption. Clean beauty brands avoid it or use transparent alternatives.

Is 'natural' always better?
Not necessarily. Poison ivy is natural, but not good for your skin! Clean beauty focuses on safe and effective ingredients — whether natural or synthetic.

Are cruelty-free products always vegan?
No — cruelty-free means no animal testing. Vegan also means no animal-derived ingredients. Conscious Skincare meets both standards.

How can I check ingredients quickly?
Look for INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) on the label — these are the standardised names for ingredients across the EU and internationally. To decode them easily, try a verified online tool:

• INCIDecoder – An easy-to-use ingredient analyser with consumer-friendly explanations and safety information.
• SkinSort – Offers detailed breakdowns of ingredients by function, safety, and potential irritants.

These tools help you identify potentially irritating ingredients or marketing gimmicks hiding under general terms like “parfum”.

What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Start with parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance. Read our Sensitive Skin Guide for more.

Do your products contain any hidden synthetic fragrance?

No. We clearly label all essential oils and offer fully fragrance-free options.

Final Thoughts: Clarity Over Hype

“Clean beauty” shouldn’t be about hype—it should be about safety, honesty, and sustainability. That’s why we provide full transparency, ethical certifications, and products made for real skin. Whether you’re just starting your natural skincare journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, our glossary is here to help you shop smarter and care better.

Understanding skincare labels shouldn’t require a science degree. By learning key terms and spotting the red flags, you can choose products that align with your skin’s needs — and your values. Conscious Skincare is here to help you do just that, every step of the way.

Explore our vegan, cruelty-free skincare natural skincare range, or read more via our blog hub.

By Rebecca Martin
Director, Conscious Skincare