It is a source of fundamental information. On the label you will find references to the manufacturer, country of origin, purpose of the product, tips about preservation, expiration date, and indications of the manner, precautions and limitations of use. Within the list of ingredients – which is mandatory for many countries – you can search for the substances to which you are allergic or intolerant, or which you have simply decided not to use for health reasons. The way the ingredients list on your product is structured and displayed is called the INCI, or INCI list, depending on how you prefer to use the word. The INCI is what tells you just what makes your product special in terms of its ingredients. This is for example where you will find the active ingredients, the allergens (indicated by *), preservatives etc. Everything that is in your product must be listed on the INCI, but unfortunately it's not always that straightforward.   Take 'fragrance' or 'parfum' for example - this could include a whole host of ingredients to create a certain smell, but it's not broken down into the actual ingredients that create that particular smell. Knowing how to read skincare labels and what the kind of ingredients are that you want to include, and just as importantly, exclude from your skin care regime is key in building your skincare routine. When buying lower-priced cosmetic products, be extra careful if purchasing off the shelf or on the Internet. Remember that counterfeit cosmetics can be cheaper than original ones, but they do not guarantee quality, efficiency and safety. Price depends on formula composition and good manufacturing practices, as well as packaging and advertising costs. If you have naturally dark skin, you should know that skin whiteners are potentially dangerous as they may contain toxic substances.