The INCI System โ The Global Language of Cosmetics
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients โ a globally standardized naming system for cosmetic ingredients. Every licensed product must list its ingredients under their scientific Latin or English names according to this system. This allows specialists โ and Wathiq users! โ to read ingredients regardless of the local language on the packaging.
I read ingredient lists but understand nothing โ all the names are in English and very long. Where do I start?
Rule #1: Order = Concentration
The first ingredient in the list is the highest concentration. Usually this will be water (Aqua) or an oil (like Cetearyl Alcohol). The last 5 ingredients in the list are usually below 1% concentration โ this includes fragrances, preservatives, and colorants. If you see a star ingredient (like argan oil) in the second half, its concentration is symbolic.
| Position in List | Approximate Concentration | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 3 | 70-95% | The main base of the product |
| 4 - 8 | 5-20% | Primary active ingredients |
| 9 - 15 | 1-5% | Secondary active ingredients |
| Beyond 15 | Less than 1% | Fragrances, preservatives, colorants |
Essential INCI Terms to Know
| INCI Name | What Is It? | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua | Water | โ Completely safe |
| Glycerin | Glycerine โ humectant | โ Safe |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | Fatty alcohol โ emollient (not drying) | โ Safe |
| Alcohol Denat. | Denatured alcohol โ drying | โ ๏ธ Avoid in large amounts |
| Fragrance / Parfum | Perfume โ can hide dozens of substances | โ ๏ธ Potential allergen |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative โ paraben alternative | ๐ก Safe at 1% |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | Strong foaming cleanser | โ ๏ธ Irritating for sensitive skin |
| Niacinamide | Vitamin B3 โ skin tone evening | โ Effective and safe |
Turn the INCI list from an impossible equation into a clear report โ in seconds.
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