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The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is a globally recognized naming system used for listing ingredients on cosmetic product labels. Developed by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the United States, the INCI system standardizes ingredient names to provide consistency, transparency, and compliance across different countries and regulatory systems. For consumers, it provides clarity about what’s in their products, while for brands, it ensures adherence to international regulatory standards.

This article provides an overview of INCI names, their structure, and why they’re essential for cosmetic regulatory compliance.

Purpose and Importance of INCI Names

The main objective of the INCI system is to create a universal language for cosmetic ingredients. Given the diversity of languages and regulatory standards globally, INCI names enable brands to label their products in a way that is clear, consistent, and legally compliant across borders. This uniformity is beneficial for:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Countries such as the United States, Canada, all European Union (EU) member states, ASEAN countries, Japan and China, India, LATAM countries, etc. require cosmetic products to use INCI names on ingredient labels to comply with labeling laws.
  • Consumer Transparency: Standardized names make it easy for consumers to recognize ingredients, avoiding confusion that could arise from varying local names for the same substance.
  • Global Market Access: For manufacturers and distributors, using INCI names allows smooth product entry into international markets by meeting regulatory requirements in multiple countries.

Structure and Composition of INCI Names

INCI names follow a standardized naming format that varies slightly based on the type of ingredient:

  • Chemical Ingredients: Chemical ingredients are typically listed in their simplest, recognized form, avoiding complicated scientific jargon. For example, “water” is labeled as “Aqua,” and “vitamin C” appears as “Ascorbic Acid.”
  • Botanical Ingredients: Plant-based ingredients are labeled using their Latin botanical name, typically with the genus and species. For instance, “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice” is used for aloe vera juice, and “Rosa Canina Fruit Oil” for rosehip oil.
  • Synthetic Compounds and Polymers: Synthetic materials or lab-produced ingredients, like “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” (a common surfactant) or “Dimethicone” (a common synthetic emollient), are identified by specific names that reflect their chemical structure.

INCI Standards and Global Regulatory Requirements

Countries and regulatory bodies globally enforce the use of INCI names to protect consumer health and support transparent labeling practices:

  • United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that cosmetics use INCI names on labels, as per the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
  • European Union: The EU’s Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires the ingredients to be expressed using the common ingredient name set out in a glossary compiled by the Commission. The glossary takes account of internationally recognized nomenclatures, including INCI.
  • Canada: Under Health Canada’s Cosmetic Regulations, all cosmetics must use INCI names to provide accurate ingredient listings, further promoting consumer safety and transparency.
  • ASEAN countries: According to the labeling requirements outlined in the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), cosmetic labels must include a full ingredient listing using INCI Nomenclature.

Benefits of INCI Names for Manufacturers and Consumers

  • For Manufacturers: Using INCI names streamlines the regulatory approval process, as authorities are familiar with the standardized names. This avoids delays associated with ambiguous or inconsistent ingredient labeling. Additionally, for brands entering multiple markets, using INCI names can enable meeting diverse regional requirements without needing multiple label formats.
  • For Consumers: INCI names empower consumers to make informed choices. For instance, someone with an allergy to limonene, linalool, and citronellol can avoid products containing it, regardless of brand or product origin. This standardized system helps protect consumer health by providing clear, identifiable information.

To conclude, the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system plays a vital role in the cosmetics industry. By providing a universal language for ingredient labeling, it supports transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety across global markets. For any brand looking to expand internationally, adhering to INCI standards is essential for smooth market entry, regulatory approval, and building consumer trust. Consulting a regulatory expert like Freyr can help you adhere to the INCI standards and facilitate multi-market compliance.