Skin guide

A short, practical guide to the products we sell. It's general information, not medical advice; if you have a skin condition, check with a dermatologist.

Building an evening routine

Most evening routines need only three steps: cleanse to remove sunscreen, make-up and the day's oil; treat with a serum if you use one; then moisturise with a cream or overnight mask to help skin hold on to water. Apply thinner, watery textures first and richer ones last. Add one new product at a time and give it a few weeks, so you can tell what suits your skin.

Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA) and retinoids can make skin more sensitive. Introduce them slowly, don't stack several at once, and wear sunscreen during the day.

Reading an ingredient list

Cosmetics sold in the EU and US list ingredients by their INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), in descending order of concentration down to 1%; below that they can appear in any order. That's why "Aqua" (water) is often first. Plant ingredients use Latin names, such as Butyrospermum Parkii for shea butter. An asterisk usually marks ingredients from organic farming, explained at the end of the list.

What COSMOS & Ecocert mean

COSMOS is a European standard for organic and natural cosmetics. Independent bodies such as Ecocert check a product against it: where its ingredients come from, which processes are allowed, minimum organic content for the "COSMOS Organic" label, and packaging and manufacturing rules. Certification describes how a product is made; it isn't a claim about how well it works or whether it suits your skin. We show a certification only on products whose maker states it.

Patch testing

Before using a new product on your face, try a small amount on your inner arm or behind the ear for 24–48 hours. Stop using anything that stings, itches or causes redness.