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What is an INCI name? A plain guide for makers
If you make and sell cosmetics, you will see INCI names on every ingredient you buy and on the label of every product you make. They can look intimidating at first, but they follow a simple logic.
Here is what INCI names are, how to read them and which documents to ask your supplier for.
What does INCI stand for?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a standard naming system, so the same ingredient has the same name on labels and documents wherever it is sold. In the UK and EU, the ingredient list on a cosmetic label uses INCI names.
How to read an INCI name
For plant ingredients, the INCI name is usually the Latin botanical name, followed by the part of the plant used and the type of ingredient.
| Common name | INCI name | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado oil | Persea Gratissima Oil | Persea gratissima is the avocado; “Oil” is the type |
| Sunflower oil | Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil | Plant, part used (seed) and type |
| Clove leaf oil | Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil | Same plant as clove bud, different part, so a different ingredient |
| Clove bud oil | Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil | Bud rather than leaf |
| Soy wax | Hydrogenated Soybean Oil | Describes the process as well as the source |
👉 See examples: Clove Leaf Essential Oil and Clove Bud Essential Oil
INCI names for blends and infusions
Infused oils and blends list each component. For example, calendula infused in sunflower oil is listed as Calendula Officinalis Flower & Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil.
👉 View Calendula, Infused in Sunflower Oil
Why the exact spelling matters
Your ingredient list must match the INCI name exactly. Copy it from your supplier’s specification rather than retyping it, and double-check Latin spellings: a single wrong letter means the name no longer matches the official listing.
Documents to ask your supplier for
- Specification: INCI name, CAS and EC numbers, appearance, physical data and shelf life
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): hazards, handling and storage
- IFRA certificate (fragrance and essential oils): maximum use levels by product type
- EU allergen declaration (essential oils): fragrance allergens that may need listing on your label
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA): test results for a specific batch
The Specifications section on each of our product pages shows the INCI name and the documents available for that ingredient.
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If you need a document for an ingredient, contact our team.
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This guide is for general information. Formulators are responsible for ensuring their products and labels comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation and other applicable requirements, including a cosmetic product safety report where required.