INCI - INTERNATIONAL NOMENCLATURE COSMETIC OF INGREDIENTS
Ingredients in beauty products are reported on the back of the packaging in the INCI list. All ingredients have an INCI name which is often based on Latin for plant ingredients and on English for other substances.
The INCI list can be difficult to decipher because the INCI language is sometimes completely different from the names of substances that we use on a daily basis. This means that a natural ingredient can sound chemical in the ingredients list and vice versa.
In the section below, you can read more about the various substances found in beauty products and their INCI names in the ingredients list. We present both synthetic and natural ingredients.
Softener
Found in skin care products to preserve moisture in the skin so we dont get dry,
Emulsifier
Found in all emulsions that contain fat and water and that must hold together over time. Necessary ingredient in conventional skin care.
Active ingredients
Why cosmetics companies use active ingredients in their skin care is because they rejuvenate, moisturize, smooth wrinkles.....
Thickener
Thickeners and gel formers are found in your skin care products to make it easier to apply without being too greasy.
Moisture binder
The function of the humectant is to bind the water in the skin.
Preservative
Found in skin care products to give it a shelf life of at least 30 months and to kill bacteria and fungi.
Acids
Their main effect is to have an exfoliating effect, i.e. even out the skins texture and skin tone.