When it comes to personal care products, reading labels doesn’t just apply to food. From shampoo and body wash to lotion and cosmetics, these items often contain harmful ingredients. This isn’t only a concern for women’s products—men and parents shopping for their children should be mindful, too.

However, it’s not as simple as relying on the “all-natural” branding found on many labels. Some brands engage in “greenwashing,” meaning they falsely market their products as safe, often masking harmful ingredients. Therefore, if it comes in a bottle, jar, or tube and comes into contact with any part of the body, it’s important to read the label.

The bad news is that personal care product labels can be even harder to decipher than food labels. The common rule of thumb “if it’s difficult to pronounce, don’t buy it” doesn’t always apply. And with so many ingredients out there, the selection process can feel overwhelming.

For those looking to take matters into their own hands—without relying solely on third-party recommendations—here are some practical tips for choosing safer personal care products:

1. Know Your Brands

Start by researching trusted brands. Websites often include FAQs or detailed sections outlining the company philosophy and the ingredients they use. This can help filter out brands without needing to research every item.

2. Embrace Skepticism

Don’t be fooled by buzzwords on the packaging. Terms like “natural,” “paraben-free,” or “phthalate-free” may sound reassuring, but they’re often misleading. For example, gasoline is “natural,” but you wouldn’t bathe in it. Always check the ingredient list to verify what’s inside.

3. Less is More

Look for products with fewer ingredients—preferably ones that are recognizable, such as essential oils, shea butter, or coconut oil. While this is not a strict rule, simpler formulations can be a better choice.

4. Recruit Help

Third-party resources, like the EWG’s Skin Deep database, provide a product safety score, making shopping easier, especially in-person. However, it’s important to know that even “approved” products could contain questionable ingredients, so always double-check.

Lastly, don’t stress. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when searching for the perfect product, but the truth is, there may not be one. Instead, focus on what you can reasonably do. Taking even small steps to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals is better than doing nothing at all.