Cosmetics and ingredients

For every cosmetic product we list the full ingredients (INCI) and purpose. This guide helps you navigate ingredient lists and use cosmetics safely. It is not medical advice – for skin conditions or allergies consult a dermatologist or pharmacist.

How to read INCI

• Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity; those under 1 % may appear in any order at the end. The first 5–6 items make up most of the product.
• Latin names denote plant ingredients (e.g. Butyrospermum Parkii Butter = shea butter), English names chemical compounds (Glycerin, Niacinamide). Colourants appear as CI + number, fragrance as Parfum/Fragrance.
• Actives people look for: Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration), Niacinamide (pores, redness), Retinol / Retinal (wrinkles – use in the evening, with SPF by day), Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C, brightening), Salicylic Acid (BHA, acne), Glycolic / Lactic Acid (AHA, texture), Ceramide NP (barrier), Panthenol (soothing).

Declared allergens

Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, 26 fragrance allergens (gradually extended to more than 80 from 2026) must be named in the ingredients when their concentration exceeds 0.001 % in leave-on and 0.01 % in rinse-off products. The most common: Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Eugenol, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone. If you have a diagnosed contact allergy, look for them in the list; products labelled fragrance-free contain no fragrance allergens. Every product's ingredients are in the Ingredients tab on its page.

Patch test – try on a small area

1. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear.
2. Leave for the product's intended time (rinse-off 5–10 minutes, leave-on 24–48 hours) and watch for a reaction.
3. If redness, burning, itching or swelling appears, don't use the product. With actives (acids, retinoids) mild tingling in the first days is normal; strong irritation is not.

Introduce new actives one at a time and gradually (2–3× a week), and use SPF 30+ with acids and retinoids.

Shelf life, PAO and batch

• The best-before date (hourglass symbol or “Use by”) is given for products with a shelf life under 30 months.
• PAO – the open-jar symbol with e.g. 6M, 12M, 24M – says how long the product is safe after first opening. Note the opening date (e.g. on the bottom of the pack).
• The batch number (LOT/Batch) lets a product be traced in a recall – quote it when reporting a problem.
• Store opened products per the care instructions; eye products and those with vitamin C have a shorter usable life.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Most cosmetics are safe in pregnancy. Professional guidance nonetheless advises avoiding retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate, Tretinoin), high concentrations of salicylic acid (over 2 % and in body products), hydroquinone, chemical self-tanning sprays inhaled into the airways and essential oils in high concentration. Safe alternatives: azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, bakuchiol, mineral SPF filters. If unsure, consult your gynaecologist – and write to us, we'll gladly prepare a selection of suitable products.

Natural, organic, vegan, “clean”

• Natural/organic – not legally protected terms; trustworthy are certifications (COSMOS/Ecocert, NATRUE, BDIH), which we state with the product where it has them. Natural origin doesn't automatically mean a lower allergy risk (essential oils are common allergens).
• Vegan – no ingredients of animal origin (beeswax, lanolin, carmine, collagen). Labelled per the manufacturer's declaration.
• Animal testing – since 2013 the EU bans testing cosmetics and their ingredients on animals and selling cosmetics tested that way. This applies to every product in our range.
• Paraben / silicone / sulphate-free – stated as information for those who wish to avoid them; permitted parabens and silicones are considered safe in the EU.

Sun protection

SPF indicates UVB protection; the UVA-in-a-circle symbol means UVA protection of at least a third of the SPF value. Apply about ¼ teaspoon (2 mg/cm²) to the face and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. SPF products have a shorter life after opening (usually 12 months) and shouldn't be stored in heat.

Undesirable effect – what to do

Stop using the product, rinse the skin and see a doctor for a strong reaction. Report the incident to info@beautimess.sk (product name, batch, description, photos) – we log it, inform the manufacturer's responsible person and, where the law requires, the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic. We will of course replace the product or refund you. More in Product safety.