Focus on INCI: Understanding cosmetic labels
At Origine, every ingredient counts. But you still need to know how to decipher them! Delving into an INCI list means discovering the secrets of a formula, its strengths, its active ingredients... and its limitations. Here's a simple guide to better understand what you're applying to your skin.
What is INCI?
INCI, or International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients , is the universal language of cosmetics. It imposes a standardized nomenclature for the list of ingredients present in all beauty products marketed in the European Union.
The INCI list is:
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mandatory on all packaging,
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listed in descending order of concentration ,
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and written in Latin or English , depending on the origin of the ingredient.
Why is INCI important?
Because it allows you to know what a product really contains – beyond marketing promises.
Thanks to the INCI, you can:
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identify active ingredients , even in low concentration,
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avoid certain allergens (linalool, citronellol, coumarin, etc.),
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detect the components that you wish to favor or avoid (silicones, mineral oils, PEG, etc.).
How to read an INCI label?
Here are some reading keys:
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The Latin names refer to the plant extracts ( Butyrospermum Parkii Butter = shea butter).
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The English names refer to transformed or synthetic molecules ( Sodium Hyaluronate = hyaluronic acid).
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Asterisks often indicate ingredients of natural (*) or organic (**) origin.
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Allergens from perfumes are listed at the end of the formula (limonene, eugenol, geraniol, etc.).
Concrete examples with Origin products
Some ingredients present in our treatments:
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Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
→ Chamomile extract: soothing and anti-inflammatory. -
Sodium Hyaluronate
→ Hyaluronic acid: plumps, hydrates and smooths the skin. -
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
→ Shea butter: ultra-nourishing and restorative. -
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
→ Castor oil: fortifying for eyelashes, hair and nails.
The Original Choices
At Origine, the INCI reflects a clear philosophy: transparency, naturalness, effectiveness.
We have chosen to:
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Favor identifiable and effective plant-based active ingredients ,
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Formulated with fragrances of natural origin , developed in Grasse,
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Use organic, French-origin superfine alcohol in our perfumes,
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Make each ingredient readable and acceptable , without greenwashing.
In summary
Learning to read an INCI list gives you the power to choose consciously.
At Origine, we believe that trust comes through transparency. Every formula tells a story, every ingredient has its place, and you deserve to understand everything.
Your skin knows what it likes. And you'll know why.