What the percentages on eye drop labels mean

The percentage beside each active ingredient is its concentration: how much of the solution, as a proportion, is that ingredient. Quell’s three actives are listed as Glycerol (1.0%), Polysorbate 80 (1.0%) and Light Mineral Oil (0.5%).

Small numbers, by design

Eye drop actives are present in small proportions. Most of what is in the bottle is the base solution and the inactive ingredients; Quell’s inactive list includes sterile water.

Comparing products

Percentages compare directly only for the same ingredient. One drop’s glycerol figure tells you nothing about another drop’s different lubricant, and a higher number isn’t automatically better or worse. Watch for alternative names, too: glycerol is also sold as glycerin, so compare under both.

What the figure leaves out

It says nothing about the inactive ingredients, which can differ a great deal between brands, or about whether a preservative is included. Read the whole panel, not one line of it.

Where to find Quell’s

On the Drug Facts page, or in the active ingredients guide, which explains what each one is there for.