Inci

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a standardized system of names used to identify ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. The primary purpose is to provide a consistent, multilingual vocabulary for ingredient labeling, so that consumers, regulators, and manufacturers can recognize ingredients regardless of language or market.

The INCI system is maintained by the International Nomenclature Committee, originally formed under the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and now overseen in North America by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). The nomenclature is updated periodically to incorporate new ingredients and evolving industry practices, often with input from international stakeholders to ensure broad applicability.

On product labels, INCI names appear in a standardized sequence after the product name and before marketing terms. The listed names may be presented in English or Latin-based forms and can include synonyms or regional variations, but the active, internationally recognized INCI name is used for identification. Common examples include Aqua or Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Parfum (Fragrance); botanical ingredients may appear as Latin binomials or established INCI terms such as Cocos Nucifera Oil for coconut oil.

Limitations of INCI include the fact that the names reflect ingredient identities rather than functions, concentrations, or purity. INCI names do not convey product performance or safety information, and some ingredients may be listed under different INCI forms depending on source or regulatory updates. Overall, INCI provides a global naming standard to facilitate clear, cross-border cosmetic ingredient labeling.