Decoding Cosmetic Labels: Understanding INCI Names and Empowering Yourself to Research Ingredients

In a world where consumers are becoming more conscious of what they put on their skin, understanding cosmetic labels has never been more important. Whether a product is marketed as "natural" or contains synthetic ingredients, one thing remains the same: the ingredient list is often difficult to decipher. This is largely due to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, or INCI, a standardized system used globally to name cosmetic ingredients. These names can often seem unfamiliar, foreign, and, at times, intimidating.

In this blog, we’ll explore why INCI names are used, how they contribute to transparency, and most importantly, how you can research and understand the ingredients in any cosmetic product, including Salvaje Skincare’s, using tools like INCI name checkers. By empowering yourself with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about the products you use and ensure that they align with your personal values and skin needs.

What are INCI Names?

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is a system of naming ingredients that has been in use since the early 1970s. It was developed to standardize how cosmetic ingredients are listed on product labels across different countries, allowing consumers to recognize ingredients regardless of where they are in the world.

INCI names are often derived from Latin or scientific terminology, which is why they can seem unfamiliar or even intimidating. For example, if you were looking at a bottle of lotion, you might see ingredients like Butyrospermum Parkii (the INCI name for shea butter) or Tocopherol (the INCI name for Vitamin E). These names are not used to confuse you, but rather to provide consistency and accuracy across global markets.

Why Are INCI Names Important?

At first glance, the use of INCI names may seem like a hurdle to understanding cosmetic ingredients. However, the INCI system serves several key purposes that benefit consumers:

1. Consistency Across Countries: Since INCI names are standardized globally, no matter where a product is manufactured or sold, the ingredient list will use the same terminology. This consistency allows consumers to recognize ingredients even if they’re shopping in a different country or buying products from international brands.

2. Clarity and Accuracy: The beauty and personal care industry includes countless variations of ingredients, many of which could be described using common names. For instance, there are multiple species of chamomile, but using the INCI name, Anthemis Nobilis, specifies which type of chamomile is included in the product. This precision ensures that consumers know exactly what they're applying to their skin.

3. Legal Requirement: INCI names are required by law in many countries, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Japan. By adhering to these regulations, companies ensure that their products are transparent and compliant with international standards. So, whether you're shopping for skincare in Tokyo or Toronto, you'll be able to understand the ingredients using the same universal language.

Natural vs. Synthetic: INCI Names Apply to Both

One important thing to note is that INCI names are used for both natural and synthetic ingredients. So whether your product is 100% organic or contains lab-formulated ingredients, the names on the label will still follow the INCI system.

For example:

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate may sound like a synthetic chemical, but it’s actually a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil.
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis is simply sweet almond oil, a common natural ingredient in many skincare products.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that scientific or Latin-sounding names automatically indicate synthetic chemicals, but that’s not the case. Many natural ingredients also have complex INCI names that can appear foreign. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to research what each ingredient is, rather than relying solely on how it sounds or what assumptions you might make based on its name.

How to Research Ingredients Using INCI Name Checkers

Here’s where it gets exciting—while INCI names can seem intimidating, they actually empower you to do your own research into what you’re putting on your skin. One of the easiest ways to research ingredients is by using an INCI name checker. These tools allow you to input the INCI name from a product label and learn more about what the ingredient is, what it does, and whether it aligns with your skincare goals or values.

Here’s how you can use INCI name checkers to decode labels:

1. Find the INCI Name: Start by identifying the INCI name from the product label. This will often appear as the primary name on the list of ingredients. For example, you might see Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba oil) or Cucumis Sativus (cucumber extract).

2. Enter the Name into an INCI Checker: There are several online INCI name checkers that allow you to quickly research ingredients. Some popular options include:

   • Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): This website provides detailed safety assessments of many cosmetic ingredients.
   • CosDNA: This tool not only tells you what an ingredient is, but also provides information on its potential impact on the skin (e.g., pore-clogging potential or irritation risk).
   • Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary: Offers user-friendly descriptions and explanations of both natural and synthetic ingredients.

3. Understand the Ingredient’s Function: Once you’ve entered the INCI name into the checker, you’ll get a detailed description of what the ingredient does. Is it a humectant? An emollient? An antioxidant? These descriptions will help you understand how the ingredient benefits your skin.

4. Evaluate Ingredient Safety: Many INCI name checkers also provide information on ingredient safety, including any concerns or potential side effects. This can be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or those looking to avoid certain types of chemicals or additives.

By taking these steps, you’ll be able to research not only the ingredients in Salvaje Skincare products, but also in any cosmetic product you come across. This empowers you to make informed decisions and choose products that align with your skincare needs and values.

What to Expect on Salvaje Skincare’s Labels

At Salvaje Skincare, we are committed to full transparency when it comes to our ingredients. Every product we create follows INCI standards, and you’ll find the exact INCI names for each ingredient on our product labels. This way, you can always research the ingredients yourself, using the tools we’ve just discussed, to feel confident in what you’re putting on your skin.

For instance, if you’re exploring our Pro Collagen Face Serum, you’ll see ingredients like:

• Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil (Camellia Oil)
• Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil (Cucumber Seed Oil)
• Punica Granatum Seed Oil (Pomegranate Oil)

These names might look unfamiliar at first, but with a quick search using an INCI checker, you’ll find that these ingredients are known for their nourishing, hydrating, and anti-aging properties.

We encourage our customers to take an active role in learning about the products they use. That’s why we provide extensive educational content on our website and encourage the use of INCI name checkers to decode and understand every label. Transparency is at the heart of what we do, and we want you to feel empowered to research and verify every product you use, whether it's ours or another brand’s.

Why Researching Ingredients Matters

In an industry filled with marketing buzzwords and often confusing claims, it’s easy to feel lost when choosing skincare products. But by educating yourself on ingredients through INCI names, you take control of your skincare journey. You’ll be able to:

• Avoid ingredients that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Seek out ingredients that align with your skin’s specific needs, whether it’s hydration, anti-aging, or calming inflammation.
• Make informed decisions about synthetic vs. natural ingredients based on facts rather than assumptions.
• Feel confident in knowing that the products you’re using are effective, safe, and aligned with your personal skincare philosophy.

Conclusion: Empower Yourself with Knowledge

At the end of the day, skincare is personal, and we believe that the best way to take care of your skin is to understand the products you’re using. By learning to read and research INCI names, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about all your cosmetic products, not just Salvaje Skincare.

We invite you to explore our products, armed with the tools and resources to research every ingredient and understand its purpose. Empower yourself, take control of your skincare, and feel confident knowing exactly what you’re applying to your skin every day.