The skin renews its surface cells in a few weeks, hair grows about one centimeter per month, and the skin microbiome evolves according to diet and environment. Taking care of one’s beauty and health daily starts with understanding these mechanisms to adapt one’s actions to the body’s real needs, not to marketing promises.
Composition of cosmetic products: what regulations require you to read
Before discussing routines or beauty gestures, a technical point deserves attention. The European regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 governs the marketing of cosmetics in the European Union. It specifically requires the INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) on each package, listed in descending order of concentration.
In practical terms, if an ingredient appears at the end of the list, its presence in the product is marginal. A serum that highlights hyaluronic acid but places it among the last components contains only a tiny amount. The position of an active ingredient in the INCI list indicates its actual concentration.
Resources like soins-beaute-sante.fr help to better understand the different categories of care and their compositions. Reading a label before purchasing a product remains the most underestimated beauty gesture.
Fragrance allergens: strengthened regulation in 2026
Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 expands the list of fragrance allergens that must be listed individually on packaging. The thresholds triggering this obligation are 0.001% for leave-on products (cream, serum) and 0.01% for rinse-off products (shower gel, shampoo). New products must comply with this obligation starting July 31, 2026.
For individuals prone to skin reactions, this development facilitates the identification of problematic substances. Checking for the presence of these allergens becomes a relevant reflex, especially for facial care applied daily.
Scalp health and hair products: the alert on glyoxylic acid
Hair care occupies an important place in the beauty routine, but a recent health angle changes the game. In early 2025, Anses established a probable link between glyoxylic acid and acute kidney failure. This substance is present in many hair smoothing products, including those used at home.
The risk is not limited to professional salons. Products sold online or in supermarkets may contain this active ingredient without the user realizing its danger. Checking the composition before using any smoothing product is no longer an optional precaution.
How to check the composition of a hair product
- Search for “glyoxylic acid” or “acide glyoxylique” in the INCI list, usually printed on the back of the bottle or on the outer packaging
- Beware of terms like “formaldehyde-free Brazilian smoothing” that may mask the presence of glyoxylic acid, a distinct substance from formaldehyde but presenting its own risks
- Consult the cosmetic ingredient database on the European Commission’s website (CosIng) to verify the regulatory status of a component
Dull or hard-to-style hair often calls for aggressive chemical solutions. Opting for natural treatments based on vegetable oils (jojoba, argan) to nourish the hair fiber represents a less risky alternative for the body.
Diet and skin: the link between plate and skin glow
The quality of the skin depends as much on what happens inside the body as on the products applied on the surface. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and certain seeds, help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier. A dehydrated skin can signal a nutritional deficiency before it becomes a cosmetic issue.
Antioxidants (notably vitamins C and E) help protect cells against oxidative stress. Colorful fruits, green vegetables, and nuts are direct sources. No cream can replace regular dietary intake of micronutrients.
Physical activity and cell renewal
Regular physical exercise improves blood circulation, which promotes oxygenation of skin tissues. Sweating also helps eliminate certain toxins through the pores. Cleaning the facial skin after a workout prevents pore blockage from a mix of sweat and sebum.
Sleep remains the most effective and least expensive beauty treatment. During deep sleep phases, growth hormone production accelerates cell repair. Chronic sleep deprivation quickly results in a dull complexion, pronounced dark circles, and more reactive skin.
Refillable packaging: a beauty and health criterion to integrate
The European regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste came into effect on February 11, 2025. This text encourages the development of refillable packaging in the cosmetic sector, with concrete implications for consumers.
Choosing a refillable product reduces exposure to microplastics from the degradation of disposable containers. Refillable glass or aluminum bottles also have the advantage of better preserving certain light-sensitive actives, such as retinol or vitamin C.
- Brands offering refills reduce the unit cost of the product, allowing for a daily care routine without increasing the budget
- A refillable opaque glass bottle better protects photosensitive formulas than a transparent plastic tube
- Reducing single-use packaging decreases the overall environmental footprint of the beauty routine
Combining health, beauty, and responsible consumption choices forms a coherent circle. The best daily care is that which we understand in terms of composition, origin, and impact. A product whose every ingredient is known, stored in an appropriate container, and supported by a balanced diet delivers results that poorly targeted gestures will never achieve.
