Deciphering these tiny characters written on the back of products is a real headache for you. We give you some ideas to see more clearly. Whether you want to take care of your sensitive skin and / or protect the planet, the INCI list contains all the keys to know the composition of your favorite treatment and to identify toxic products for your skin.
What is the INCI list? The “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”, imposed by legislation on cosmetic manufacturers, is printed on the product packaging and must detail all of the ingredients contained in the formula. Manufacturers are required to list the ingredients of their cosmetic products.
70% of the formula in the first 6 ingredients
The ingredients are listed in descending order, in Latin or in English. The first six ingredients make up about 70% of the formula. And the latter, often a preservative, is present in very small amounts (less than 1% of the formula most of the time). However, you should know that below 1%, the ingredients can be indicated out of order.
From Latin for natural and vegetable ingredients …
Plant extracts – i.e. natural ingredients – are always cited in Latin: aqua (water), Argania Spinosa oil (argan oil), Lavandula Angustifolia water extract (true lavender floral water). Those indicated in English correspond to chemical substances.
With the exception of names in “um” used for mineral oils derived from petroleum!
They often have a Latin name ending with “um”: petrolatum, paraffinum, or else, cera microcrystallina, mineral oil. They have no skin care benefit and pollute the planet. Remember that if you read one of these ingredients in 2e position is a bad sign.
The trick to spotting silicones and plastics
The names of silicones end in -one or -oxane and the names of plastics contain -polymer- and / or -vinyl- Not all silicones have the same impact. Cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclomethicone, are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. And all silicones are pollutants for the planet.
Acronyms: beware
PEG, PPG, BHT … the ingredients designated by acronyms are generally not very ecological. Namely: CI designates a colorant, natural or not.
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