Understanding INCI Ingredient Names

Why Common Names Are Not Enough

When selling soap legally, ingredients must be listed using INCI names — the internationally recognised naming system for cosmetic ingredients.

Common or marketing names are not legally acceptable on ingredient labels.

What Is INCI?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.

Each ingredient has:

One recognised INCI name
A standardised format
Global consistency

Example:

Coconut oil → Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

Olive oil → Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

Why INCI Matters

INCI names are required because they:

Ensure consistency across products
Allow safety assessors to evaluate formulas
Help consumers identify allergens

Using common names only is a common beginner mistake.

How Ingredients Must Be Listed

Listed in descending order by weight (at time of mixing)
Using INCI names only
Fragrance listed as Parfum (with allergens declared where required)

Accuracy matters more than aesthetics.

Here are some trusted INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) databases and ingredient lookup tools you can use when formulating and labelling soap products:

🔹 Official Regulatory/Industry Sources

CosIng – Cosmetic Ingredient Database (EU) — Official EU database of cosmetic substances with INCI names, CAS, and regulatory info. CosIng cosmetic ingredient database (European Commission)
wINCI / INCIPedia (Personal Care Products Council) — The definitive INCI dictionary with the most comprehensive ingredient listings worldwide (may require free sign-in). INCIPedia – International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (PCPC)
SpecialChem INCI Directory — Searchable database of INCI names and ingredient supplier info. SpecialChem INCI ingredients database

🔹 Ingredient Lookup & Decoder Tools

INCIDecoder — Free searchable database with easy explanations of many INCI names. INCIDecoder – Decode your skincare ingredients
TheTruthAboutCosmetics INCI Search — A simple free lookup to decode cosmetics ingredient names. INCI search tool – TheTruthAboutCosmetics

INCI Reference Card

Common Soap Making Ingredients (Cold Process)

Use INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names when labelling soap for sale. Common or marketing names are not legally sufficient.

The Soap Makers Hub®