What Is INCI?
INCI stands for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”. It’s the single, internationally agreed language for cosmetic ingredients. Plants usually appear under their Latin names.
The Order Matters
Ingredients are listed by quantity — whatever comes first is present in the largest amount. That’s why “Aqua” (water) tops the list on many creams.
Decoding the Latin
“Butyrospermum Parkii Butter” is shea butter, “Lavandula Angustifolia Oil” is lavender oil. A quick look at an INCI database helps make sense of the list.