· 4 min read
How to read a cosmetic ingredient (INCI) list
Every cosmetic product sold in the EU must list its ingredients, written in one international naming system called INCI. Once you know a few rules, the list tells you a lot.
The order tells you the amount
Ingredients are listed in descending order: there is most of whatever comes first. That rule applies to ingredients above 1%. Ingredients below 1% can appear at the end in any order.
So if a list starts with Aqua (water), the product is water-based. If an oil comes first, it is oil-based.
Latin names
Plant ingredients use the plant’s Latin name and the part of the plant used: Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, for example, is lavender flower water. That way the same product reads the same in every country.
Fragrance and allergens
If a product contains fragrant ingredients, you may see words like Limonene or Linalool. They occur naturally in essential oils too, and the EU requires them to be named individually above certain amounts, so people with sensitive skin can avoid them if they need to.
How we use it
Every Ria Naturals product shows its full INCI list on the pack and on the product page. If you have a question about an ingredient, email us at [email protected].
This article is general skincare information and does not replace advice from a doctor or dermatologist.
