Have you ever turned over a face cream, shampoo or mascara to read the ingredient list, only to find a long list of names that are hard to understand? You’re not alone.

Knowing how to read a cosmetic ingredient list can help you understand what a beauty product contains and which details to look out for. You don’t need to be able to pronounce every ingredient. Start by understanding INCI, the order of ingredients and which information matters to you personally.

At Zeroallergy, you’ll find beauty products with AllergyCertified certification. Explore our make-up range or browse our full range.

What does INCI mean in cosmetics?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is the standardised system used to name ingredients in cosmetics. That’s why the names on an ingredient list may look different from the everyday terms you know, even when the ingredients themselves are familiar.

For example, Aqua means water. Glycerin is a humectant that is often used in skincare products to help retain moisture. However, a name alone does not tell you whether an ingredient is good or bad. That depends on factors such as its function, concentration and the overall formulation.

You’ll usually find the ingredient list on the packaging or in a leaflet. In online shops, it is often listed on the product page under “Ingredients” or “INCI”.

How to read the order of ingredients

Cosmetic ingredients are generally listed in descending order of weight at the time they are added. Ingredients near the beginning of the list therefore often make up a larger proportion of the product than those further down.

There is an important exception: ingredients present at concentrations of 1% or less may be listed in any order after ingredients present at more than 1%. Colourants are also subject to specific rules.

You cannot calculate the exact amount of each ingredient from the list alone. And an ingredient near the end of the list is not automatically unnecessary or problematic.

What do common ingredient names mean?

You don’t need to memorise the entire INCI list. It can help to recognise a few names that often appear on skincare and make-up ingredient lists:

• Aqua: Water, which often makes up a large part of creams and cleansing products.
• Glycerin: A humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
• Panthenol: An ingredient often used in products for skin and hair.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid used in skincare focused on hydration.
• Tocopherol: A form of vitamin E that can, among other things, act as an antioxidant.
• Parfum / Fragrance: Terms used for perfume in cosmetics.
• CI followed by a number: A designation often used for colourants.

These are examples, not a complete list. An ingredient can have more than one function, and its role depends on the individual product.

You can see an example ingredient list on the Ivy Aïa Face Cream with Provitamin B5. Find more skincare products in our Derma range.

How can you identify perfume in cosmetics?

If you’re looking for a fragrance-free product, check the ingredient list for terms such as Parfum or Fragrance.

Some fragrance ingredients may also appear under their individual INCI names. So simply searching for one word may not be enough if you want to check whether a product contains fragrance ingredients.

“Natural fragrance” does not automatically mean that a product is fragrance-free. Plant-derived ingredients and essential oils can also contain fragrance substances.

If you have a known allergy to a particular ingredient, check the specific ingredient list. General rules of thumb are no substitute for individual advice.

Are natural ingredients better than synthetic ones?

Not necessarily. An ingredient name may sound technical, but that alone does not tell you whether the ingredient is problematic. Equally, an ingredient is not automatically risk-free just because it comes from a natural or plant-based source.

Factors to consider include the type of ingredient, the amount used, how the product is applied and the assessment of the overall formulation. Try not to judge a product by a single ingredient name. Look at the full ingredient list and the product information available.

What does AllergyCertified mean for a beauty product?

AllergyCertified is a certification that assesses products against defined criteria intended to help reduce the risk of contact allergy. The assessment considers factors including the ingredients and the product’s intended use.

The certification can provide a more informed starting point when choosing products. However, it is not a guarantee that nobody will react to a product. Skin and individual reactions vary.

At Zeroallergy, you’ll find products with AllergyCertified certification. Explore our make-up range and Ivy Aïa products.

What doesn’t the ingredient list tell you?

An ingredient list is useful, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. It may not show exactly what role each ingredient plays in the finished formula or how the product will feel on your skin.

The list alone also cannot tell you for certain whether a product will suit you personally. If you have reacted to a particular ingredient before, check the current list and follow advice from a healthcare professional.

Formulas can change, too. When buying a product again, it’s a good idea to check the ingredient list on the current packaging or product page.

Checklist: How to check ingredients in beauty products

Use this quick checklist next time you choose a cream, shampoo or make-up product:

1. Find the ingredient list. Check the packaging or product page.
2. Check ingredients you need to avoid. If you have a known allergy, review the specific list.
3. Look for perfume if it matters to you. Search for Parfum and Fragrance, bearing in mind that fragrance substances may also appear under other INCI names.
4. Read the whole list. Don’t judge a product by one ingredient name.
5. Look for clear, reliable information. A certification such as AllergyCertified can help you make a more informed choice.
6. Check the list again when repurchasing. Ingredients can change over time.

Frequently asked questions about cosmetic ingredient lists

What does INCI mean?

INCI is the international system for naming cosmetic ingredients. That is why ingredient lists often contain names that differ from everyday terms.

Are ingredients always listed in order of quantity?

In general, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight. Ingredients present at 1% or less may, however, be listed in any order after ingredients present at more than 1%. Special rules apply to colourants.

How can I spot perfume on an ingredient list?

Look for terms such as Parfum or Fragrance. Some fragrance substances may be listed under their individual INCI names, so searching for one term may not show the whole picture.

Is a fragrance-free product automatically suitable for people with allergies?

No. The absence of perfume tells you only one thing about the formula. If reducing the risk of contact allergy is important to you, consider the whole product and the evidence available, including certification such as AllergyCertified.

Make choosing products at Zeroallergy easier

You don’t need to be an expert in cosmetic ingredients to make informed choices. It helps to understand INCI, know how the ingredient order works and recognise which ingredients you personally need to look out for.

At Zeroallergy, you’ll find beauty products with AllergyCertified certification, so you can use documented criteria to help guide your choice. Explore our make-up range, Ivy Aïa products or full range.