INCInimiä

INCI-nimiä, or INCI names, are standardized identifiers for cosmetic ingredients used on product ingredient lists worldwide. The system provides a universal naming convention that transcends language differences, aiding regulatory compliance, safety assessments, and international trade.

Origin and governance: The INCI naming system was developed in the United States by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and is now maintained by INCI.org, with involvement from industry bodies such as the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). The goal is to provide consistent terminology across national borders and languages.

Usage and regulatory context: In the European Union and many other jurisdictions, cosmetic labeling requires INCI names on the ingredient list. Translations may appear elsewhere on packaging, but the INCI names serve as the reference on the label. Botanic ingredients often use Latin botanical names within INCI, while synthetic ingredients typically appear in English or standardized forms. Examples include Aqua for water, Glycerin, Parfum for fragrance, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, and Cocos Nucifera Oil. For botanicals, the Latin binomials clarify the specific plant source used.

Benefits and limitations: INCI naming facilitates transparency, safety oversight, and cross-border commerce by providing a common vocabulary. It supports consumers and regulators in identifying ingredients consistently. Limitations include the existence of proprietary blends, the use of CI numbers for colorants, and occasional variations in naming for certain complex mixtures or newer ingredients. Despite these, INCI names remain the internationally recognized standard for cosmetic ingredient labeling.