How to read an INCI list?

Finally understand what you are applying to your skin

Between Latin names and scientific terms, a cosmetic product's INCI list often looks like gibberish. Yet, this label is a trove of valuable information. Knowing how to read it means regaining control over what you put on your skin, and that of your children. Here is a simple guide to deciphering your products in less than five minutes.

What is a natural cosmetic INCI list?

What is a natural cosmetic INCI list?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is an international nomenclature that standardizes the names of ingredients worldwide. It is mandatory on all cosmetics sold in Europe. Thanks to it, even without understanding every term, you can easily compare two products, whether conventional or natural.

Three tips for easier reading

1. Look at the order: ingredients are listed from most to least present. The first ones on the list are therefore the main components of the product.
2. Decipher the language: ingredients of plant origin are written in Latin (Butyrospermum Parkii = shea butter), the others in English (Aqua = water).
3. Identify the families: nourishing oils and butters, cleansing surfactants, preservatives, fragrances... with a little practice, you can distinguish them at a glance.

Identify key natural active ingredients

In a natural product, look for:

• vegetable oils and butters (moringa, shea, coconut, aloe vera...) to nourish and protect,
• gentle cleansing agents such as glucosides or cocoyl aminoacids, which are more skin-friendly than sulfates,
• mild preservatives such as sodium benzoate or dehydroacetic acid, authorized in natural cosmetics.

The earlier these ingredients appear on the list, the more significant their quantity.

Ingredients to watch out for without panicking

Not all "technical" ingredients are bad, but some can be problematic if your skin is sensitive or if you are looking for natural products:

• Harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES) in cleansing gels,
• Non-biodegradable silicones (words ending in -cone or -xane),
• Synthetic fragrances if you are prone to allergies.

Identifying these mentions allows you to make an informed choice, not to fall into anxiety.

The natural ratio trick

A quick glance at the label tells you the "density" of natural ingredients: if water and a few gentle surfactants are quickly followed by oils or plant extracts, it's a good sign. If your favorite active ingredients appear at the very end of the list, their dose is probably low.

In summary

By familiarizing yourself with the INCI list, you transform a complicated label into a quick and reassuring decision-making tool. You know what you are applying and you choose your products with full confidence.

💚 To go further: on yatamani.com, each product sheet details the complete composition and function of each ingredient, for total transparency.