Skincare literacy
Read the label before you buy the bottle
Short, self-paced modules on ingredient lists, active concentrations, pH, and routine order. Learn how to judge a product for your own skin.
The syllabus
Three stages, in order
01
Reading ingredient labels
Learn how INCI lists are ordered by concentration, how to spot carrier bases, and where fragrance and preservatives usually sit.
02
Recognizing active concentrations
Understand why a listed active near the bottom of a list may be present in small amounts, and what percentage claims do and do not tell you.
03
Sequencing your routine
Compare layering order, timing, and ingredient compatibility so new products fit alongside what you already use.
Take it with you
Self-paced reference sheets and decision trees
Each module pairs with a printable reference sheet that summarizes key terms and label cues. Work through them at your own pace, and return whenever a new product raises a question.
Our downloadable decision trees start with a self-assessment of your skin's needs, then guide you toward the kinds of formulas worth comparing. They are a starting point for your own judgment, not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional.