Ingredients on skin care product labels

The ingredients listed on skin care product labels are standardized for clarity. All skin care products are required use International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient names (INCI names) when listing ingredients on product labels.

How do you list ingredients on a skin care label?

Skin care ingredients are placed in order on product labels by their predominance; this means the ingredient that makes up the highest percentage of the product is listed first.

Each subsequent listed ingredient is used less than the one before it on the label. This is the same regulation seen in food products.

The ingredient that makes up the lowest percentage of the total volume of a product is listed last on the product label.

What are INCI names on cosmetic products?

International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient names, known as INCI, are internationally recognized names published in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. They are the names found on product labels.

They were developed in the 1970s by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (Now called the Personal Care Council) to standardize the nomenclature and increase transparency for consumers.

INCI names are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the labeling names that must be used for cosmetic ingredient labeling under U.S. regulation 21 CFR 701.3.

Are INCI names used in every country or just the USA?

Many other countries such as the European Union, China and Japan require the use of INCI names as well. This means that product labels should be consistent between countries.

Why INCI names are important

International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) names are crucial on skincare product labels because they establish a standardized and transparent system for ingredient identification. This consistency allows consumers, professionals, and regulators globally to easily recognize and understand the components of a particular product, regardless of language or regional differences. By using INCI names, manufacturers communicate the content of their products in a universally comprehensible manner. This standardization is especially vital in the skincare industry, where ingredient sensitivities and allergies are prevalent. Consumers can make informed choices about what they are applying to their skin, ensuring safety and avoiding potential adverse reactions. Additionally, with the increasing demand for transparency in the beauty and personal care industry, INCI labeling empowers consumers to identify ingredients they may wish to avoid due to ethical, environmental, or health concerns. In essence, INCI names on skincare product labels foster clarity, safety, and informed decision-making for consumers worldwide.

Why are INCI names used on product labels?

Using INCI names on product labels allows dermatologists and others in the medical community and beauty industry to more precisely share information regarding ingredients. When medical professionals use the same names for the same ingredients makes it easier to research details like adverse reactions or side effects.

Scientists are ensured that information on ingredients from scientific and other technical publications will be referenced under the same name; and that multiple names for the same material will not lead to confusion.

INCI names on product labels also enable the cosmetic industry to track the safety and the regulatory status of ingredients efficiently worldwide. Regulations like INCI names enhance the industry’s ability to market safe products that meet various national regulations.

Ingredient names used to vary internationally and would be called different things in different countries. This made it hard to read product labels and buy with confidence. Standardizing cosmetic ingredient nomenclature with the use of INCI names on product labels solved these issues.

How ingredients on skin care products get their names

Cosmetic ingredient names are primarily determined using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system. Here’s a brief overview of how these names are chosen:

Standardized Naming Conventions: The INCI system follows specific rules and conventions for naming ingredients. This ensures consistency across products and countries.

Botanical Ingredients: For ingredients derived from plants, the Latin binomial name (genus and species) is typically used. For instance, the oil derived from the sunflower seed would be labeled as “Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.”

Chemical Compounds: Chemical ingredients are typically named using recognized chemical nomenclature, either from IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) or common chemical names. For instance, water is labeled as “Aqua.”

Trade Names vs. INCI Names: While companies may have a trade name for a specific ingredient or blend, the INCI name must still be listed on the product label for clarity and transparency. For instance, a company might use a trade name like “HydraBoost” for a specific hyaluronic acid formulation, but the ingredient list would still include “Sodium Hyaluronate” (the INCI name for a form of hyaluronic acid).

Complex Mixtures: For some ingredients that are complex mixtures and don’t fit traditional naming systems, special names may be developed for INCI labeling.

Adoption and Updates: The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the U.S. manages the INCI naming process. Manufacturers can submit new ingredients to the PCPC for review, and if accepted, the new ingredient name gets added to the INCI dictionary. The INCI list is updated regularly to account for new ingredients and scientific advancements.

The objective behind these standardized naming conventions is to ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency in cosmetic labeling, allowing consumers to quickly understand and identify the ingredients used in their personal care products, irrespective of where they are manufactured or purchased.

Which INCI names to look for on product labels to find the right products for your skin type?

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DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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