A study of 2,000 women has found that nearly nine in 10 are baffled by the jargon used in skincare products. The research, commissioned by Skin Rocks, reveals that 44% of women often feel confused by the language on skincare packaging.
Buzzwords and Misunderstanding
More than four in 10 women like to think they are clued up on the latest beauty innovations, but 37% are simply buying into products with buzzwords without fully understanding how or when to use them. Only 36% could correctly explain what active agents like retinoids are used for, while 81% had no idea what ceramides do for the skin.
Additionally, 63% did not know what non-comedogenic means, 54% could not define free radicals, and 34% were stumped by the term cell turnover.
Lack of Ingredient Knowledge
The study also found that 86% of women did not know what niacinamide is primarily used for in skincare, and 60% were unaware which ingredients should be used at night versus in the morning. However, 26% could accurately identify that glycolic acid is designed to exfoliate and improve skin texture and tone.
Caroline Hirons, founder of Skin Rocks, said: “People are buying products because they’ve heard the name, not because they understand it. We’re seeing a real disconnect between how confident people feel and how much they know about what they’re using on their skin.”
Confusion in Application
Only 19% of women know the correct order to apply skincare and stick to it, while 29% admitted they have no idea at all. Half of all women have felt unsure whether they were applying products in the right order at some point. Uncertainty also extends to the amount of product to use, with 41% not feeling confident they are applying the correct amount.
This confusion is leading to misuse: 33% have combined skincare ingredients without knowing if they should be used together. For some, this has had visible consequences, with 29% experiencing irritation, breakouts, or other skin issues after using a product they didn’t fully understand.
Sources of Advice
More than a third (35%) do not get any skincare advice, although 25% turn to brand websites, 25% ask friends and family, and 22% would listen to dermatologists. A third said expert advice most influences what they buy, but 39% said none of these sources have a strong impact on their decisions.
Despite the confusion, many routines remain simple, with 53% using between two and four products in their everyday skincare regime. However, a third feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice, and 12% admitted they often end up guessing and hoping for the best.
Top 10 Confusing Skincare Phrases
The study identified the top 10 confusing skincare phrases: non-comedogenic, free radicals, cell turnover, medical grade, double cleanse, antioxidant, pH-balanced, collagen, active ingredients, and skin barrier.
Caroline Hirons added: “After working with hundreds of brands and seeing the same issue over and over again. Not with the products themselves, but with the way skincare was being marketed. People were overwhelmed, confused, and misled by buzzwords and trends rather than being given real education on what their skin actually needs.”
