International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI)

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is the internationally recognized naming system for cosmetic ingredients. Originally developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA, now the Personal Care Products Council) in the 1970s, INCI provides a standardized, language-independent way to identify cosmetic ingredients on product labels.

INCI names are assigned based on established chemical nomenclature rules: chemical ingredients typically use modified IUPAC names, botanical ingredients use the Latin binomial (genus and species) followed by the plant part and extract type, and some ingredients retain traditional names (e.g., "Aqua" for water in EU labeling, "Water" in US labeling).

The use of INCI names on cosmetic product labels is mandatory in the EU (Article 19 of EC 1223/2009), the US (21 CFR 701.3), Canada (C.R.C. c.869), and most other regulated markets. Ingredients must be listed in descending order of concentration, with ingredients at concentrations below 1% listed in any order after those above 1%.

The authoritative reference for INCI names is the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, published by the Personal Care Products Council. The EU's CosIng database also provides INCI names for ingredients regulated under EC 1223/2009.