The ingredient-lover's trap: is a higher percentage always better?
Many shoppers go straight for the 'X% of ingredient Y' number, and the bigger it is, the more tempting. But that logic is hotly debated.
Points that come up a lot
- Many ingredients have a sensible concentration range; going higher doesn't necessarily add benefit in proportion, but can raise the chance of irritation
- The whole formula matters: the same percentage can feel and perform very differently depending on the base, pH and other ingredients
- A percentage on the box sometimes refers to a raw-material solution, not the pure ingredient
What Korean brands often do
- Many Korean products lead with 'gentle enough for daily use' rather than the highest strength
- Some brands release the same ingredient in stepped strengths so people can work up slowly
A steadier approach
- Start new actives at low strength and low frequency
- Stop if stinging or redness persists, and consider asking a dermatologist
Do you look at the percentage when buying? Ever been put off by 'high strength'?
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