Glossary

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) — a standardized global system of names used to identify the ingredients listed on cosmetic and skincare product labels. It provides a consistent, internationally recognized name for each ingredient so that formulas can be understood across different countries and languages.

Key points

  • INCI names are used on ingredient lists so the same substance is labeled consistently worldwide.
  • The system draws on scientific, Latin, and standardized English terms, which is why botanical ingredients often appear under Latin plant names.
  • Ingredients are generally listed in descending order of concentration, though those at 1 percent or less can appear in any order.
  • INCI naming is maintained by industry bodies and referenced by regulators in many regions to promote transparency.

Frequently asked

Why are ingredients listed under Latin or scientific names?

INCI uses standardized names, often Latin for botanicals, so an ingredient is identified the same way regardless of country or language. This is why aloe may appear as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.

Does INCI order tell me how much of an ingredient is in a product?

Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by concentration, so those near the top are present in larger amounts. However, ingredients at or below 1 percent can be listed in any order.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Cosmetics & U.S. Law U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  2. Cosmetics Labeling Claims U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  3. FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA-Approved, but Are FDA-Regulated U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  4. Summary of Cosmetics Labeling Requirements U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  5. Legislation - Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs European Commission Regulatory and safety single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu
  6. Scientific and technical assessment - Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs European Commission Regulatory and safety single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.