How to understand INCI names on cosmetic labels
and why they matter as much as food labels.....
Have you noticed the shift toward understanding food labels more and more, especially when it comes to UPFs, or ultra-processed foods? The same awareness is now extending into the cosmetic industry, and for good reason.
What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat. Food is medicine, and your skin is your largest organ.
But have you ever tried to understand the back of a cosmetic or soap label?
Latin names. Long words. Ingredients you have never heard of.
It can feel confusing, overwhelming, and a little intimidating. That is where INCI names come in.
What Are INCI Names?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.
It is a universal naming system used worldwide so that cosmetic ingredients are listed consistently, no matter where the product is made or sold. While this is essential for regulation and safety, it is not always helpful for everyday understanding.
That is why learning how to read INCI names is so empowering.
How Ingredients Are Listed On Cosmetic Labels
Cosmetic and soap ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight.
The first ingredient listed is present in the highest amount.
The final ingredient listed is present in the smallest amount.
So if a product claims to be a lavender soap but lavender oil appears at the end of the list, you can quickly see what is really making up the bulk of the product.
Understanding A Soap Label
Here's a quick guide to get you started. Below are a few common soap ingredients and how they appear as INCI names.
Coconut oil is listed as Cocos Nucifera Oil.
Lavender essential oil is listed as Lavandula Angustifolia Oil.
Shea butter is listed as Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.
They may look complicated at first glance, but they are simply Latin botanical names.
Why Soap Ingredients Look Different
In soap making, oils and butters go through a process called saponification. This is the process that transforms oils and an alkali into solid soap bars.
Because of this, ingredients are often listed in their saponified form. For example, coconut oil becomes Sodium Cocoate, and shea butter becomes Sodium Shea Butterate.
The word sodium appears because sodium hydroxide is used during the soap making process. Importantly, no sodium hydroxide remains in the soap after this process, which is why you won't see it listed on the ingredients label.
Why We Use Plain English On Our Labels
While INCI names are required, we believe transparency matters.
That is why we also include plain English ingredient names on all our labels. This helps our customers clearly understand what is inside our products and feel confident about the simplicity of our formulations.
There is no guesswork and no greenwashing. Just honest ingredients you can recognise.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to read cosmetic ingredient labels puts the power back in your hands. Once you understand INCI names, choosing the right skincare for you becomes simpler, smarter, and far less overwhelming. Typing the names into a search engine will also help you understand these ingredients, just make sure its a trusted source.
We hope this guide helps you feel more confident the next time you turn a product over and read the label.
