INCI it is a listing of Latin Names for Cosmetic Ingredients and is the shortened name for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”
What is the INCI list well it is the”International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”, a system of names for waxes, oils, pigments, chemicals, and other ingredients used in making soaps, cosmetics, and the like. The list is based on scientific, Latin and English words.
In America, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, certain information is required to appear on the labels of cosmetic products.
In Canada, the regulatory guideline is the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations
The Cosmetic Regulation Laws are enforceable for consumer safety.
An example of this is, the ingredients are listed on the ingredient declaration for the purchaser to insure a reduction in the risk of an allergic reaction to an ingredient the user may have had an allergy to before.
These cosmetic ingredient names are mandatory on the ingredient statement of every consumer personal care product. The INCI system allows the consumer to identify the ingredient content.
The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) System was established in the early 1970’s by the Personal Care Products Council (formerly known as CTFA, Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association)
Many countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Austria and member of the European Union, require manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients to submit all new ingredients for registration in this nomenclature system.
If your intent is to sell your cosmetic products (this includes soap) they you are legally required to list the INCI names on your product label.
The current INCI names list is at about 12,000 names and growing, the complete list can be obtained in CD or book format on the website of the Personal Care Products Council.
What does the term “Cosmetics” include?
Cosmetics includes any mixture or substance that has been manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes.
Some botanical names have changed and some do look like chemically derived words, It is a very important system to have due to the alarming rate of people having serious allergic reactions to ingredients.
I have terrible allergies and personally know how important it is to know what the products I buy contain.
I have seen people at Farmer’s Markets selling products with no ingredients and it is a real Pet Peeve to me. It’s not good enough to just tell a person what the ingredients are, what if that person decides after the fact to give that item as a gift? Someone with an allergy could potentially be harmed because someone else was irresponsible.
Always label your soap and be careful to check the labels of home made products you buy.
Go to INCI Names
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