What Are INCI Names And How Can They Help You Choose Better Beauty Products?

The names are not easy to remember!

By Sakshi Singh Updated October 30, 2023 1:03 PM

Picture this: You’re browsing the beauty aisle, trying to choose the perfect skincare product. You pick up a bottle, flip it over, and your eyes are greeted by a long list of words that seem like an entirely different language. If you’ve also found yourself in this situation, worry not because it’s not just you. Welcome to the world of INCI names in beauty products, where decoding the ingredient list can feel like deciphering a secret code.

What Are INCI Names?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It’s a system used to name the ingredients in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products. While it may sound complex, it’s essentially a way to standardize the names of cosmetic ingredients globally. INCI names are used to provide clarity and consistency, ensuring that consumers and manufacturers around the world can understand what’s inside a product.

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Why Are INCI Names Used?

You might wonder why we can’t just use common names for ingredients. The reason behind using INCI names is to eliminate language barriers and potential confusion. For instance, imagine a product containing water. In English, it’s water, but in French, it’s eau. In Spanish, it’s agua. This language variation could lead to misunderstandings. INCI names provide a universal language that everyone in the beauty industry can comprehend, regardless of their native language.

Decoding INCI Names: A Quick Guide

Now that we know why INCI names exist, let’s take a look at how they work and how you can decode them:

1. Common Ingredients: Many INCI names are fairly intuitive. Tocopherol is Vitamin E, Retinol is Vitamin A, and Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is lavender oil.

2. Botanical Names: When you see INCI names with plant names, they typically refer to plant extracts or essential oils. For example, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is aloe vera.

3. Chemical Compounds: Some INCI names are more technical, representing chemical compounds. Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that’s easier for the skin to absorb.

4. Preservatives: INCI names often include preservatives. Phenoxyethanol is a common one you might see.

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5. Fragrances: Fragrance ingredients are usually listed as Parfum or Fragrance. This is because fragrance formulas are often considered trade secrets and not fully disclosed.

So, the next time you pick up a product, don’t be discouraged by the seemingly cryptic ingredient list; embrace it as your path to beauty product enlightenment!