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2 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2026 avobenzone (used primarily in lip balms), octisalate (oil-soluble), homosalate (UV filter that absorbs short-wave UVB rays), oxybenzone (absorbs UVA/UVB), linked to potential health and environmental concerns, or ensulizole (protects from UVB radiation), which is lighter and easier to blend. Hybrid sunscreens combine mineral and chemical filters. Scalp sunscreens come as sprays, powders, sticks, or mists. Some hair products advertise UV protection or color protection to help reduce sun-related fading or dryness. Haircare labels usually fall into cleansing, conditioning, treatment, or styling. Surfactants are cleansing agents found in shampoos. Stronger cleansers: Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or olefin sulfonate, remove oil and buildup. Gentler cleansers, such as cocamidopropyl betaine or sodium cocoyl isethionate, are for frequent use. Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup and residue. Chelating shampoo goes further by helping remove hard water mineral deposits. Look for chelating agents such as disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, citric acid, charcoal, clay, or clarifying surfactants. A deep conditioner or hair mask restores softness and manageability. Strengthening masks contain proteins such as hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein, silk protein, collagen, rice protein, or amino acids. Silicones: Dimethicone, amodimethicone, and cyclopentasiloxane smooth frizz, add shine, and reduce tangles. Oils: Argan, jojoba, coconut, avocado, and castor oil add shine and softness. Butters: Shea, mango, and cocoa butter are often better for dry, curly, or textured hair. Hairsprays use ingredients such as PVP, VP/VA copolymer, acrylates copolymer, or other polymers to create hold. Aerosol hairspray uses a pressurized mist, often with propellants such as butane, propane, isobutane, or dimethyl ether for a fine, even spray. Non-aerosol hairspray uses a pump and avoids aerosol propellants. Synthetic ingredients maintain consistent purity and performance from batch to batch. Natural ingredients can deliver a diverse range of vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing compounds. The best label-reading strategy is to check the first few ingredients and match them to skin or hair type. Julie Socash President, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Summer can be hard on skin and hair. For anyone who needs products to work in heat, under lights, or in humidity, the best choices are usually lightweight products that do not cause buildup. Understanding what is on the label helps you choose to fit those needs. Cruelty-free generally means the brand claims not to test on animals. Vegan does not contain animal-derived ingredients. A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan, or vice versa. Plant- based means some or most ingredients come from plants, but are not always fully vegan Animal-derived ingredients to recognize include lanolin, a moisturizing wax from sheep's wool; beeswax; carmine, a red pigment from insects; structural proteins such as keratin or collagen, which may be animal-derived; and tallow, rendered animal fat used in balms, skin care, or healing salves. Daytime skin care focuses on hydration and protection: lightweight moisturizers, antioxidants, and sunscreen. Nighttime skin care focuses more on repair and regeneration, using richer moisturizers or treatment ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which attracts and holds water. It helps skin look plumper, smoother, and more hydrated. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin. Ceramides are lipids that support the skin barrier and help reduce moisture loss. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, helps with barrier support, redness, uneven tone, and oil balance. Retinol and related vitamin A ingredients are usually used at night for texture and fine lines. For performers, less is more as it accelerates skin cell turnover, which leads to dryness, sensitivity, and redness, making it difficult to apply make-up smoothly. For acne-prone or younger skin, look for gel creams, oil-free formulas, non-comedogenic claims, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and lightweight ceramides. For dry or mature skin, look for ceramides, glycerin, peptides, squalane, shea butter, and richer night creams. A serum is usually a lighter, more concentrated product used to deliver active ingredients. A cream is usually thicker and designed to moisturize, soften, and protect the skin barrier. Common make-up label terms include non-comedogenic: formulated to be less likely to clog pores; fragrance-free: no added fragrance; and long-wear: the product uses film-formers, waxes, silicones, or polymers to last longer. Sunscreen is essential for summer. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that works under make-up and suits your talent's skin type. Physical or mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and are often preferred for sensitive skin but may leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens use filters such as FROM THE PRESIDENT Decoding Labels for Smarter Skin and Haircare Julie So ca sh