Insights
Hand pouring clear cosmetic gel from a translucent pink bottle with a green cap onto the palm.

Can you read INCI? Let’s explore cosmetic ingredients

If you’re a beauty addict or interested in the world of cosmetics, you’ve surely already heard of INCI and know where it is located. In an increasingly diverse cosmetics market, knowing your way around is essential. Having a map is important, so let’s explore cosmetic ingredients together.

What is INCI?

The INCI can be interpreted as the list of ingredients contained within a cosmetic product. It serves as a guide for consumers to make informed choices tailored to their needs.

INCI is a terminology developed by the Association of European Cosmetic Industries to be understood throughout Europe and stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.

A necessary premise: the European Regulation on Cosmetic Products, Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, is considered among the most stringent in the world and provides stringent requirements to ensure product safety, including bans and restrictions on numerous substances.

Understanding the INCI can be helpful in understanding the composition of a cosmetic and making more informed choices. However, it is important to remember that a cosmetic product marketed in the European Union must meet specific safety requirements, so if it is marketed, that product has already undergone rigorous controls to protect consumer health.

Invention of the INCI

The INCI list was created in 1973 by an American association and became mandatory for cosmetics in 1999. The aim of this tool is to standardize the components present in personal care and hygiene products.

The ingredients are listed in decreasing order of concentration (from highest to lowest); however, manufacturers are not required to indicate the precise amount of each ingredient.

Clear cosmetic serum dripping from a glass dropper against a soft pink background.

Why is the INCI important when choosing cosmetics?

  • Formula transparency
  • Product quality control
  • More informed choice

Knowing how to correctly read an INCI allows you to judge whether a product actually contains the active ingredients promised in marketing and, above all, allows you to make informed choices about products suited to your skin or hair type and needs.

How to read it correctly?

First, it’s best to follow the order in which the ingredients are listed, identifying the first four or five ingredients; these are the components present in the greatest quantity and define the base of the product. Second, it’s essential to be able to distinguish each component and its origin. The Latin names indicate plant extracts, while the chemical names identify active ingredients and functional molecules.

The following are the main categories of ingredients found in an INCI:

  • Base ingredients
  • Alcohols
  • Surfactants (cleansing agents)
  • Perfumes and fragrances
  • Preservatives
  • Functional active ingredients

INCI dott. solari cosmetics

All our INCIs, in addition to being regularly listed on the label as required by law, are also available on our website on each product page.

To offer the highest level of transparency, we have been making the complete ingredient lists for all our cosmetics easily accessible online for several years. This way, buyers can quickly consult the product composition and make informed choices.

Close-up of a cosmetic product label highlighting the INCI ingredient list circled in red with a lightbulb icon in the corner.

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