INCI: Resources

Labeling is one of the most, if not THE most frustrating aspect f the bath and body business. There are so many things you have to be aware of and are accountable for. The worst part is, there is not a checklist or one definitive “how-to” way of doing things. The best I can do is list all the resources I know of. If you have any you would like to share, please let me know. Hey, if you want to keep it a secret because you spent hours Googling- more power-to-ya, but I am here to share.

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, abbreviated INCI, is a system of names for waxes, oils, pigments, chemicals, and other ingredients of soaps, cosmetics, and the like, based on scientific names and other Latin and English words. Using the INCI name means you are using the “standard” for the ingredient.

INCI names are used in the United States, the European Union, Japan, and many other countries, for listing ingredients on cosmetic product labels. With few exceptions, the INCI labeling names in all countries are the same.

The most commonly referred to reference is the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, published by the Personal Care Council. It is around$850 for non-members. There is an online version as well as a bound book. You may also join the association for an annual fee starting at $650. You will then pay about $450 or the dictionary. Steep, you say? Yes, I say. For something that is considered a reference manual for standards, it seems like it would be more accessible financially. Fortunately, there are a couple of alternatives, but you are still responsible for the accuracy of your labels.

INCI names should be provided by your supplier when you purchase ingredients.

Here are some ways to get INCI without purchasing the dictionary.

International Buyers Guide
This electronic version of the International Buyers’ Guide is updated twice per year. The printed version of the Buyers’ Guide is published annually by the Personal Care Products Council (Council) as a service to the personal care products industry. The Buyers’ Guide is an indispensable resource featuring the most comprehensive listing of cosmetic raw materials and their suppliers. It contains over 15,000 ingredients listed by INCI name and cross-referenced to nearly 63,000 technical and trade names.

Lotion Crafter
A listing of commonly used ingredients with  the 2nd and 9th edition INCI Nomenclature.