What do the ingredients on the label mean?
We explain the most common ingredients in cosmetics, food and cleaning products in plain language, with sources.
Guides
See all →-
Food
How to read food labels: ingredients, nutrition table, allergens and claims
Learn to read food labels properly: ingredient order, the per-100 g nutrition table, allergens in bold and what claims such as “light” and “natural” really mean.
7 min read → -
Cosmetics
How to read a shampoo label: a guide to sulphates, silicones, preservatives and fragrance
Learn to read the INCI list on the back of a shampoo bottle step by step: cleansing agents, silicones, preservatives, fragrance and what the order tells you.
7 min read → -
Food
What do E numbers mean? A guide to reading food additives on the label
What E numbers show and how they are grouped. Are all approved additives equal, and which ones deserve a closer look? A calm look at the E numbers on food labels.
7 min read → -
Food
Hidden names for sugar on labels: syrups, dextrose, maltodextrin and concentrates
Sugar can appear on a label under dozens of names. Learn to spot glucose syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin and fruit juice concentrate, plus the WHO free sugars advice.
7 min read → -
Household cleaning
Bleach and hydrochloric acid safety guide: never mix them
Mixing bleach with hydrochloric acid, vinegar or ammonia releases toxic gas. Safe use, ventilation, storage and what to do in an accident (in Türkiye: 114, UZEM).
6 min read → -
Household cleaning
What to check on laundry detergent and fabric softener labels: ingredients and dosing
Read detergent and softener labels: surfactants, esterquats, enzymes, optical brighteners, phosphates, MIT/BIT, fragrance and why the right dose matters.
6 min read →