Decoding Your Skincare: Understanding INCI
You have likely noticed a list of ingredients on your skincare products, perhaps out of curiosity about what's actually going on your skin. This list, often in a small font, is called INCI, an acronym for the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.
What is INCI?
Established in 1973 by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC), INCI provides a standardized system for naming cosmetic ingredients. Published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook outlines these systematic names.
Why is INCI important?
INCI helps scientists and medical professionals easily share information about ingredients. This makes it easier to find the cause of skin problems. For cosmetic industry, INCI helps them keep track of safe ingredients and follow regulatory compliance on a global scale to create and market safe products. For consumers, INCI enhances transparency and empowers them to make informed choice.
Reading the ingredients list
Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight. The first ingredients is the most abundant. For water-based products, we would usually see either "Water" or "Aqua" as the first ingredient because it comprises the most in the formula. Meanwhile, substance comprising less than 1% of the product can be listed in any order at the end.
While fragrances often contain hundreds of chemical substances, only the 26 considered allergens must be listed individually if their concentration exceeds 0.01% in rinse-off and 0.001% in leave-on products, according to EU regulations. This is crucial information for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Source: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-specific-topics/fragrance-allergens-labelling_en
The limitations of INCI
While INCI provides valuable information, it is crucial to understand its limitations. INCI solely reveals the ingredients, not their efficacy or how they interact within the formula. The list also does not specify the concentration of each ingredient or which of them are part of proprietary blends. Furthermore, INCI does not provide information about the origin and sourcing practices of the raw materials.
MossCellTec Aloe by Mibelle AG
The rise of "INCI-reading" influencers
The rise of beauty influencers has led to a trend of "INCI-reading", where individuals analyze product ingredient lists to determine their quality and effectiveness. However, relying solely on INCI for product evaluation can be misleading. For product assessments, consider factors such as brand reputation, clinical trials, and personal experiences when making informed skincare choice.