Why do cosmetics manufacturers have to list INCI names?
This is a legal requirement under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009), which is why cosmetics manufacturers must list the INCI name on their products. The abbreviation INCI stands for ‘International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients’ and ensures that ingredients are clearly labelled worldwide, regardless of language or brand names.
The INCI name is primarily intended to provide transparency for consumers, dermatologists and authorities. For example, if someone has an allergy to a particular active ingredient, they can quickly see from the INCI name whether it is contained in a product. Trade names or colloquial names can vary greatly, but the INCI name is standardised and always the same.
The same INCI name in every country
Another reason for the mandatory INCI name is international comprehensibility. As cosmetics are traded globally, the uniform INCI name makes it easier to compare and check products in all countries. This greatly simplifies international trade.
No more misunderstandings
The INCI name also plays an important role in product development: chemists, formulators and regulatory authorities use it to clearly identify raw materials. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures consistent safety assessments.
The INCI name is even helpful for marketing claims, as it clarifies legally which substance is actually contained in a product, regardless of how it is described in advertising. Consumers can use the INCI name to research the properties of an ingredient and form their own opinion.
The table below provides rules and examples for INCI names
| Rule / Structure Principle | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Unified spelling | The INCI-Name is used internationally in a standardized form, regardless of the local language. | Aqua (for water, in USA = Water) |
| 2. Latin names for plants | Plant-based ingredients are listed with their botanical Latin name, often including the plant part. | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
| 3. English names for chemical substances | Chemically produced substances are listed with their English name. | Glycerin |
| 4. Capitalization | The INCI-Name starts with a capital letter; subsequent letters are lowercase, except for proper nouns. | Sodium Chloride |
| 5. Order of listing | Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration (from above 1% downwards). | Water first, then oils, then fragrances |
| 6. Indicating plant parts | For plant-derived raw materials, the plant part used must be indicated. | Rosa Damascena Flower Oil |
| 7. Colorants with CI number | Colorants are listed with an additional Colour Index (CI) number. | CI 77491 |
| 8. Perfume and flavors | Fragrance blends are declared as Parfum or Aroma; individual allergens must be listed separately if required. | Parfum, Linalool |
| 9. No brand names | The INCI-Name must not include trademarks or company names. | No “XYZ® Oil” |
| 10. Standardized listings | All INCI-Names are maintained by the Personal Care Products Council and published in official lists. | PCPC INCI Database |
Conclusion: Trust in sound knowledge about INCI names
The INCI name is an indispensable tool for transparency, safety and international comparability in the cosmetics industry.
Unfortunately, there are increasingly dubious articles about INCI names circulating on the internet that draw false conclusions about the quality or safety of a product – often without any scientific basis.
The INCI name itself says nothing about the purity, origin or effectiveness of an ingredient, but serves solely for clear identification.
If you are a manufacturer, retailer or consumer and require sound, practical information on INCI names, Cosmacon GmbH is your expert partner. Our team scientifically tests raw materials, evaluates their quality and supports you in ensuring optimal declaration in accordance with legal requirements. This allows you to ensure that your cosmetic products are not only correctly labelled, but also formulated with high-quality active ingredients.