How to Read the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)

INCI, an acronym for "International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients," is a standardized name for cosmetic ingredients used internationally. It is required by law and allows consumers to understand the composition of the cosmetic products they purchase. Here's how to read and interpret the INCI nomenclature:

1. Order of IngredientsIngredients are listed in decreasing order of concentration up to 1%. Ingredients present in quantities less than 1% may be listed in any order.
2. Latin and English denominationsPlant extracts are referred to by their Latin name, followed by the common English name (for example, “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract”).
3. Chemical NamesChemical ingredients are listed with their English chemical name (for example, “Sodium Laureth Sulfate”).
4. DyesColorants are indicated by their CI (Colour Index) number (for example, “CI 77491”).

List of the Top 50 Harmful Ingredients in Cosmetics

1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben)
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
3. Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
4. Triclosan
5. Formaldehyde e formaldehyde donors (DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea)
6. Toluene
7. Diethanolamine (DEA)
8. Triethanolamine (TEA)
9. Coal Tar (coal tar)
10. Hydroquinone
11. Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP)
12. Petrolatum
13. Liquid paraffin (Mineral Oil)
14. Siloxanes (Cyclopentaiutoxane, Cyclohexaiutoxane)
15. Synthetic Fragrances
16. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
17. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
18. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
19. oxybenzone
20. Octynoxate
21. Retinyl Palmitate
22. Retinol
23. Aluminum Compounds (Aluminum Chlorohydrate)
24. phenoxyethanol
25. Benzophenone
26. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)
27. quaternium-15
28. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
29. resorcinol
30. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
31. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT)
32. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
33. Methoxyethanol
34. Ethoxyethanol
35. Propylene Glycol
36. Isopropyl Alcohol
37. Sodium Chloride (used in excessive quantities)
38. talc (containing asbestos)
39. Dioxane (1,4-Dioxane)
40. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)
41. Tetrasodium EDTA
42. Sodium Metabisulfite
43. P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
44. Methylchloroisothiazolinones
45. Sodium Borate
46. Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
47. Trisodium Nitrilotriacetate
48. sodium fluoride
49. Ethyl Acrylate
50. Benzalkonium Chloride

List of Ingredients Not Harmful to Health in Cosmetics

1. Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)
2. Jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil)
3. Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil)
4. Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter)
5. Glycerin (Glycerin)
6. Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)
7. Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Tocopherol)
8. Hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronic Acid)
9. Argan oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil)
10. Chamomile extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract)
11. Rosehip oil (Rosa Canina Fruit Oil)
12. panthenol (Panthenol)
13. Avocado oil (Persea Gratissima Oil)
14. Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract)
15. Rose water (Rosa Damascena Flower Water)
16. Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil)
17. Olive oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil)
18. Calendula extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract)
19. Thyme Extract (Thymus Vulgaris Extract)
20. Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract)
21. Lavender Extract (Lavandula Angustifolia Extract)
22. Aloe Vera Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract)
23. Wheat germ oil (Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil)
24. Propolis extract (Propolis Extract)
25. Cucumber extract (Cucumis Sativus Extract)
26. Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil)
27. Ginger Extract (Zingiber Officinale Root Extract)
28. Castor oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil)
29. Peppermint Extract (Mentha Piperita Extract)
30. Sage Extract (Salvia Officinalis Extract)
31. Chia Seed Oil (Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil)
32. Horsetail extract (Equisetum Arvense Extract)
33. Oat extract (Avena Sativa Extract)
34. Basil extract (Ocimum Basilicum Extract)
35. Linseed oil (Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil)
36. Centella Asiatica extract (Centella Asiatica Extract)
37. Ginkgo Biloba Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract)
38. Ginseng extract (Panax Ginseng Root Extract)
39. Camellia oil (Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil)
40. Burdock Extract (Arctium Lappa Root Extract)
41. Licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract)
42. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil)
43. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica Granatum Seed Oil)
44. Marshmallow Extract (Althaea Officinalis Root Extract)
45. Helichrysum Extract (Helichrysum Italicum Extract)
46. Hop Extract (Humulus Lupulus Extract)
47. Blueberry extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract)
48. Raspberry extract (Rubus Idaeus Extract)
49. Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis Seed Oil)
50. Jasmine Extract (Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract)

Why is it important to know the INCI nomenclature?

Understanding the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is essential for several reasons, including personal health, product efficacy, the environment, and consumer awareness. Here are the main reasons:

1. Health & SafetyMany cosmetic products contain ingredients that can be harmful to your health. Some can cause irritation, allergies, or be associated with more serious long-term effects such as endocrine disruption or carcinogenesis. Knowing the INCI (Invented Name of Ingredients) helps you avoid these substances.
2. Allergies and IrritationsKnowing which ingredients are in your products helps you avoid those that may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially important for those with sensitive skin or specific dermatological conditions.
3. Product EffectivenessA product's ingredients determine its effectiveness. Knowing the INCI (Invented Name of Product) allows you to choose products that contain effective, high-quality active ingredients, avoiding those with low-quality ingredients or unnecessary fillers.
4. Conscious ChoicesKnowledge of the INCI promotes informed and conscious consumption. It helps avoid greenwashing, where products are advertised as natural or eco-friendly when they aren't actually so.
5. Environmental impactSome cosmetic ingredients can be harmful to the environment, such as microplastics or chemical compounds that pollute water. Knowing the INCI helps you make more sustainable choices and reduce your environmental impact.

Risks Associated with Harmful Ingredients in Cosmetics

1. ParabensUsed as preservatives, they are associated with endocrine disruption and potential carcinogenic effects.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): They can cause skin and eye irritation, and SLES may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
3. Triclosan: An antibacterial that may contribute to antibiotic resistance and has potential adverse effects on the endocrine system.
4. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors: Known carcinogens that may cause skin and respiratory irritation.
5. Toluene: May damage the nervous system and cause fetal development problems in pregnant women.
6. PhthalatesUsed to make products more flexible, they are associated with endocrine disorders and reproductive development problems.
7. Oxybenzone and OctinoxateChemical sunscreens that can cause endocrine disruption and are harmful to marine ecosystems.
8. BenzophenoneUsed in sunscreen products, it is a possible carcinogen and can cause skin irritation.
9. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen.
10. BHA and BHT: Synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives, potentially carcinogenic and endocrine-toxic.

Conclusion

Understanding the INCI names of cosmetic products is essential for protecting your health, making informed choices, and reducing environmental impact. Avoiding harmful ingredients and choosing natural and safer ones is an important step toward a healthier and more sustainable beauty routine. Being informed about ingredients allows you to be a more aware and responsible consumer, contributing to your personal well-being and protecting the environment.