Quick label checks

When you are pressed for time, reading labels and trying to decipher the ingredients in any one product may seem a time-consuming task. There is a quick ‘rule of thumb’ that is worth remembering when you assess a products suitability for your family.

The first one-third of ingredients account for approximately 95% of the product.

The second third, approximately 5-8% and the last third, approximately 1-3%.

Ingredients are required to be listed by highest value to lowest value, so if we simply read the first one-third of ingredients we will be able to gain a sense of a products suitability and chemical load. You may be surprised how many products list water as their first ingredients, which is a timely reminder about value for money. If you find yourself reading a long list of ingredients that is also a very obvious sign that the product has been over-manufactured with multiple chemical additions. A simple ingredient list might not be a sure sign of a safe product but it is a very good start.

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world.