INCI list analysis: how to decipher the ingredients of your cosmetics

The INCI ( International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients ) list is a standardized nomenclature used worldwide to identify cosmetic ingredients present in beauty products . Established in 1973 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) in the United States, it aims to standardize the naming of cosmetic components, thus ensuring greater transparency for consumers.

Why is the INCI list important?

The INCI list has been mandatory for cosmetic products since 1999. It allows consumers to know precisely the composition of the products they use, thus facilitating the choice of cosmetics adapted to their needs and preferences, particularly with regard to allergies, ethical convictions or environmental concerns.

How to read an INCI list?

Order of ingredients

Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. Therefore, the first ingredient is the one present in the greatest quantity. , often referred to as the top of the list . However, cosmetic ingredients with a concentration below 1% may be listed in random order after those exceeding this threshold, usually at the end of the list .

Language of ingredients

The ingredient names on the INCI list are generally Latin for botanical substances and English for chemical compounds. For example, water is referred to as "Aqua" and coconut oil as " Cocos Nucifera Oil." This rule applies to ensure international standardization of cosmetic ingredients .

These Latin names allow universal identification of the components.

Identification of key components

Learning to recognize certain terms in the INCI list can help quickly identify the presence of specific components, such as:

• Perfumes : indicated by “Parfum” or “Fragrance”.

• Colorants : listed as "CI" followed by five numbers, for example, CI 77491 for red iron oxide.

• Preservatives : such as “Phenoxyethanol” or “Sodium Benzoate”.

The limits of the INCI list

Although the INCI list provides transparency on the composition of beauty products , it has certain limitations:

• Lack of precise quantities : The exact percentages of ingredients are not indicated, which can complicate the assessment of their potential impact.

• Complex terminology : The use of scientific terms and Latin names may make the list difficult to understand for the average consumer.

Tools to decipher the INCI list

Several apps and websites help consumers analyze cosmetic ingredient lists , providing information on the safety and origin of ingredients :

• INCI Beauty : allows you to scan products via their barcode and obtain a detailed analysis of their composition .

• Yuka : assesses the impact of products on health based on their INCI list .

• Clean Beauty : Identifies controversial or allergenic cosmetic ingredients in beauty products .

The impact of the INCI list on the cosmetics industry

The standardization brought about by the INCI list has led manufacturers to be more transparent about the composition of their cosmetic products . This increased transparency has raised consumer awareness, encouraging them to favor beauty products with healthier formulations and environmentally friendly.

What are the risks for a brand that does not display the INCI list?

Failure to display the INCI list on cosmetic products constitutes a violation of European cosmetics regulations (EC Regulation No. 1223/2009). This exposes a brand to several significant risks:

• Legal and financial sanctions : A brand may face high fines or sales bans if it does not comply with the obligation to display the list of cosmetic ingredients .
• Loss of consumer trust : Transparency is a major consumer expectation. A lack of information on cosmetic ingredients can raise doubts about product quality and lead to a decline in customer loyalty.
• Risk to user health : Without an accessible INCI list , consumers cannot check whether a product contains ingredients they wish to avoid, whether for health reasons (allergies, sensitivities) or ethical reasons (ingredients of animal origin, for example).
• Damage to the brand's reputation : a non-compliant brand may be publicly criticized, particularly on social media or by consumer associations, which can harm its credibility and image.

Displaying the INCI list is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a proof of transparency and respect towards users . At LActive , we see this as an obvious way to meet the expectations of an informed and demanding clientele. 🌿

Transparency at the heart of LActive: the INCI list in dual display

At LActive , we are committed to providing complete transparency to our customers. That's why, for the sake of ethics and trust, we display the INCI list of our cosmetics on two media: the primary packaging (the bottle or jar) and the secondary packaging (the cardboard). This dual presence ensures that you can access information on the composition of our products at any time.

Whether you're using your product or have kept its packaging, you'll know exactly what's inside. This approach reflects our commitment to minimalist, ethical, and transparent cosmetics , where trust between the brand and its customers remains a top priority. 🌿

Discover LActive and our products now!

Conclusion

The INCI list is a valuable tool for consumers who want to understand the composition of their cosmetic products . Although it may seem complex, gradually familiarizing yourself with its structure and using dedicated tools allows you to make informed choices, in line with your needs and values.

Check out our article " Evaluating the safety of cosmetic products, [what you need to know] "

Sources:

• INCI Beauty
• DGCCRF