How to Read a Skincare Ingredient List (INCI)

The ingredient list on the back of a product is the most honest part of the packaging. It can look intimidating at first, but a few simple rules make it easy to read.

What is INCI?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a standard naming system, so the same ingredient has the same name on a product made in Italy, Spain or Canada. Plant ingredients are usually written with their Latin botanical name, often followed by the common name in brackets, such as Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Oil).

Order matters

Ingredients are generally listed from the highest concentration to the lowest, down to about 1%. Below that threshold, ingredients can appear in any order. So the first few ingredients tell you the base of the formula, and "Aqua" (water) is very often first.

Fragrance and allergens

"Parfum" means fragrance, which can be synthetic or come from essential oils. Some fragrance components, such as Linalool or Limonene, are naturally present in many essential oils and must be listed separately because they can trigger reactions in sensitive people. Their presence is not a flaw, but it is worth knowing if your skin is reactive.

Preservatives are not the enemy

Any product containing water needs protection against bacteria and mould. A well-preserved formula is a safe formula.

Practical tips

• Look for the ingredient that matters most to you and see roughly where it sits in the list.
• "Natural" does not mean allergy-free. Patch test new products on the inner forearm.
• If you have known allergies, check the list before buying and ask us if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

Why are ingredient names in Latin?

INCI uses standardized names, including Latin botanical names for plants, so ingredients are identified the same way in every country.

Does a long ingredient list mean a worse product?

Not necessarily. Length alone says little about quality. What matters is what the ingredients are and how they suit your skin.

What does "Parfum" mean on a label?

It means the product contains fragrance. If you are sensitive to fragrance, look for products labelled fragrance-free and check the list for individual fragrance components.

How can I test a new product?

Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before using it on your face. If you have known allergies, speak with a doctor or allergist.

Browse our skincare and body care collections and read the ingredient lists on the product pages.