A-Z of Cosmetic Ingredients and Terms
All cosmetic products sold in the UK must display a complete ingredients list and must use the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, known as INCI.
INCI names are internationally recognised names used to identify cosmetic ingredients and for the labelling of finished cosmetic products
They are developed by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC) and published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the US cosmetic trade association, in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. In the EU, the official source for INCI names is the EU glossary of common ingredient names. It is a legal requirement to use common ingredient names, when available, in this list for the purpose of labelling cosmetic products placed on the EU market. In the absence of an available INCI name and listing in the EU glossary generally accepted nomenclature can be used.
The purpose of harmonised INCI names is to minimise language barriers for all stakeholders involved with cosmetics and personal care products consumers.
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