How To Buy Skincare Online
By: Ivonne Sanchez | BLOG.IVONNE.CA BY | IVONNE
Published on: July 4, 2020 at 11:44 a.m.
At 3AM I was doing my Instagram duty, checking Explore and looking for the next big trend when a promoted skincare post interrupted my scroll. It was gorgeous. The model was showing off the smooth serum as she applied it to her skin. But what was up with this skincare? I had never heard of it before. Is it white-label, private-label, a new spin-off brand? I had no idea, but the ad was effective so I was going to find out.
Reading The Label: What Is In Your Product?
Whether it is food or skincare, your ingredients lists work the same way. The ingredients listed on the label are listed in descending order of predominance, in their concentration by weight.
Seriously, What Is Really In Your Product?
In order for a skincare or cosmetic product to be qualified for use and sale in Canada, the ingredients and their concentrations have to be declared to The Consumer Safety Directorate at Health Canada using the Cosmetic Notification Process. Health Canada warns that this Notification Process IS NOT an approval process; it is just an administrative process.
INCI Names
Individual ingredients on the label should be listed by their INCI name. Look them up in the INCIDecoder to identify what these ingredients do and how safe they are.
Bilingual Labels
Under the regulations in Canada, all cosmetics must have labels that are in both English and French and be clearly legible for the life of the product.
Ingredient Hotlist
Check the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist for restricted items or restricted concentrations of ingredients published by Health Canada.
The Problem With Cosmetic Labeling in Canada
Any product deemed to be a drug, either because it claims to have therapeutic properties or in fact has a therapeutic effect, will have a DIN (Drug Identification Number) assigned to it. This DIN must be displayed on the label.
Signs That Your Skincare May Be Unsafe
Unauthorized Sources
Buying a product from a source outside of the usual supply chain could mean the product is counterfeit, containing questionable ingredients, uncertain concentrations, and unvalidated expiry dates. Be wary of massive online marketplaces like Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, or random accounts on Kijiji.
New to the Canadian Market
The internet gives us access to buy products from all over the world, but that does not mean that we should. Buying a product from another country always comes with the risk that it has not been qualified for use anywhere, including Canada.
White-Label or Private Label
It has become increasingly popular for small beauty businesses to set up their own skincare brand with their logo. For a small investment, there are labs around the world that will ship custom branded products. More than ever, there is a jungle of different brands all offering their own version of beauty.
Therapeutic Claims Without a DIN
If your skincare is claiming to have therapeutic benefits but does not have a DIN, then chances are it has not been reviewed in a Notification process. Health Canada closely adheres to Ad Standards guidelines regarding non-therapeutic advertising and labeling claims.
Who Can You Trust?
The more information, the better. When researching a cosmetic or skincare brand, be sure to:
- Check out the manufacturer's website
- Make sure that the retailer is authorized as a provider
- Ask for evidence that the product has been qualified for use and sale in Canada
- Look for confirmation that the manufacturer and provider have a good relationship (training sessions, social engagement)
- Avoid bargains and retailers that are questionable
- Qualify any skincare routine with your dermatologist
- Read reviews and visit the Instagram feed to see how questions and concerns are being answered
Become a Client Today
Ivonne and her team are ready to guide you through your cosmetic treatment options. Whether you're exploring permanent makeup, laser treatments, or advanced skincare, you'll receive honest, professional advice personalized to your skin, your goals, and your comfort level. We're currently accepting new clients by application.
Apply To Be A Client