Understanding the INCI list

The Importance of INCI Names in the Cosmetics Industry: A Complete Guide

When it comes to the cosmetics industry, ingredient transparency is more important than ever. Consumers want to know exactly what they are putting on their skin and hair, and they want to be able to easily understand the ingredients listed on their products. This is where the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) comes in.

In this guide, we'll dive into the world of INCI names and explore their importance in the cosmetics industry. We'll cover topics like what INCI names are, how they're used, and how to use them to accurately label your products. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer or consumer of cosmetics, this guide will provide you with valuable information on INCI names and their role in the industry.

What are INCI names?

INCI names are standardized names used to identify ingredients in cosmetic products. These names are assigned by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC), which is a group of experts responsible for creating and maintaining the INCI list. The INCI list contains over 10,000 ingredients, including raw materials, fragrances and colorants, and is regularly updated to reflect new scientific and regulatory developments.

Why are INCI names important?

There are several reasons why INCI names are important in the cosmetics industry:

• Ingredient Transparency : INCI names provide a clear and consistent way to identify ingredients in cosmetics, regardless of language or location. This allows consumers to easily understand what's in their products and make informed buying decisions.
• International regulations: Many countries have regulations in place that require the use of INCI names on cosmetic labels. The use of INCI names ensures that manufacturers comply with these regulations and that their products are safe and correctly labelled.
• Ease of communication: INCI names are used by manufacturers, retailers and regulators around the world, making it easier to communicate about ingredients and products.

How are INCI names used?

INCI names are used in a variety of contexts in the cosmetics industry, including:

• On cosmetic labels: In many countries, manufacturers are required to list the ingredients of their products using INCI names. These names should be listed in descending order of concentration, and certain formatting and placement guidelines should be followed.
• In ingredient lists for online retailers: Online retailers often include ingredient lists on their websites to provide customers with additional information about the products they sell. These lists are often formatted using INCI names. In the case of Mastel, the ingredient list is as transparent as possible: the INCI list is explained on the packaging and you can mouse over the INCI name to discover its usefulness and its "French" name.
• In Product Safety Assessments: INCI names are used in cosmetic safety assessments to ensure that the ingredients used are safe for use in cosmetics.
• In research and development: INCI names are often used in research and development to identify and track ingredients that are used or tested.

In conclusion, INCI names play a crucial role in the cosmetics industry, helping to ensure ingredient transparency, regulatory compliance and ease of communication. By understanding and using INCI names, manufacturers, retailers and consumers can make informed decisions about the products they buy and use.