Skincare questions, answered with sources

How are cosmetic ingredients ordered on a U.S. label?

Short answer: Ingredients are generally listed in descending order of predominance.

That ordering is most informative near the beginning of the list. The FDA allows ingredients present at 1% or less and color additives to appear without the same strict predominance order, so a label does not reveal exact concentrations. VanityBoard treats ingredient position as context, not a laboratory measurement.

Primary source: U.S. FDA — Cosmetic Ingredient Names.

How should I patch test a new skincare product?

Short answer: Apply the product to a quarter-sized test spot twice daily for seven to 10 days.

1. Choose a small area such as the underside of the arm or bend of the elbow.
2. Use the normal amount and leave it on for the time directed on the label.
3. Stop if the area becomes red, itchy, swollen, or otherwise irritated.

A home use test cannot rule out every future reaction. Severe or persistent reactions need professional care.

Primary source: American Academy of Dermatology — How to test skin care products.

What order should skincare products go in?

Short answer: Cleanser → medication or treatment → moisturizer and/or sunscreen → makeup.

The American Academy of Dermatology uses this four-part sequence as a practical baseline. A prescription's directions take priority, and more layers are not automatically better: using too many treatment products can increase irritation. VanityBoard's routine placement labels—Cleanse, Prep, Hydrate, Treat, Seal, and Protect—are a shopping aid built around this simpler clinical sequence.

Primary source: American Academy of Dermatology — Product application order.

What sunscreen should I choose for daily use?

Short answer: Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.

When outdoors, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is the final morning skincare step; makeup can follow. A product's own label provides the specific application directions.

Primary source: American Academy of Dermatology — How to apply sunscreen.

Does “hypoallergenic” mean a cosmetic cannot cause an allergic reaction?

Short answer: No. In the United States, “hypoallergenic” has no federal standard or definition.

The claim should not replace reading the ingredient declaration or testing a product. The FDA also notes that fragrance mixtures can sometimes be declared generally as “fragrance” or “perfume,” rather than listing every component.

Primary sources: U.S. FDA — Hypoallergenic cosmetics and U.S. FDA — Allergens in cosmetics.

What is the Vanity Index?

Short answer: It is VanityBoard's evidence-weighted score for comparing a product with a stated skincare goal.

These percentages are target weights, not a claim that every product has all five evidence layers. Missing layers are displayed as pending and excluded from the active weighted average rather than converted to zero. Rankings can change when the catalog or attributed evidence changes.

VanityBoard source: Editorial Policy and ranking methodology.