In here, what is it? Why is it essential for your cosmetics?

In this case, what, in the world of cosmetics, you may have already noticed a complex list of ingredients on the labels of your favorite products.

These mysterious codes are in fact an essential part of the beauty care industry: INCI.

If you've ever wondered what this term means and why it's crucial to know it, you're in the right place!

In this article, we will explain in detail what the INCI is and why it is so important to understand it to take care of your skin and hair.

What's In here?

INCI means « International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients », which translates into French by « International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients ».

It is a standardized system for naming ingredients used in cosmetic products around the world.

This standard makes the composition of products more accessible and understandable to consumers, regardless of their language.

What is the structure of the Inci?

INCI follows a well-defined structure for each cosmetic ingredient. Each name has several parts:

1. Prefix: It indicates the botanical or chemical name of the ingredient.
2. Radical: It is a descriptive part that provides additional information on the composition or function of the ingredient.
3. Suffix: It refers to the category of ingredient, indicating whether it is an acid, a surfactant, an emollient, etc.

What's the prefix here?

The prefix in INCI is the first element of the cosmetic ingredient name and usually indicates the botanical or chemical name of the substance used.

It is often the scientific name of the plant where the ingredient comes from. The part extracted from the plant.

However, in the case of synthetic ingredients, the prefix may be a chemical name or code number.

It is essential to understand that the prefix does not always provide detailed information about the source or quality of the ingredient. It is mainly used to uniquely identify it in the INCI list.

Examples of prefixes:

• « Aloe Barbados » : It is a plant known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Daloes gel is used in skin and hair care products.
• « Rosa Damascena » : It represents Damascus rose, a variety of roses commonly used for its aromatic properties in perfumery and care products.
• « Brassica campestris » is the botanical name of the rapeseed plant. INCI uses this prefix to uniquely identify rapeseed oil in the cosmetic ingredient list.

Radical.

It is the part of the INCI name that follows the prefix, and provides additional information on the composition or function of the ingredient.

Radicals may describe the type of acid, diester, polymer, derivative or other important characteristics of the ingredient.

Examples of radicals:

• « Acid » This radical indicates the presence of an acid in the ingredient, for example « Salicylic Acid » (salicylic acid), known for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties.
• « Oil » : Radical « Oil » usually represents oil extracted from a plant or other type of ingredient, such as « Olea Europaea Oil » (olive oil).
• « Glycol » This radical is commonly used to designate glycols used as moisturizing and emollient agents, for example « Propylene Glycol ».
• « Extract » : Radical « Extract » indicates that the ingredient is a substance extracted from a plant or natural source. For example, « Camellia Sinensis Extract » (green tea extract).
• « Sodium » This radical means that oil has been transformed into soap. Sodium rapsedate means that it contains rapeseed oil converted into glycerin and soap.

It is important to note that some ingredients may combine several prefixes and radicals, which may make their INCI name more complex.

However, by understanding these basic elements, you will be better equipped to decipher labels and identify key ingredients in your cosmetic products.

Keep in mind that INCIs do not always provide information about the source (natural or synthetic) of the ingredients or their quality, but they nevertheless provide an essential basis for understanding the composition of the products you use.

Why is it essential to understand the Here?

Understanding INCI is a valuable skill for consumers concerned with their health and well-being. The following are some of the reasons why familiarization with these codes is essential:

1. Transparency of ingredients : L的INCI offers full transparency on the components of a cosmetic product. This allows you to know exactly what ingredients you apply to your skin or hair.

2. Avoid allergens : By knowing INCI, you can identify the ingredients to which you are allergic and thus avoid products that may cause adverse reactions.

3. Choose suitable products : By deciphering the INCI, you can select products that specifically meet your beauty care needs and preferences.

4. Avoid controversial ingredients : The INCI allows you to identify certain controversial or potentially harmful ingredients, such as parabens or sulphates, and to avoid them consciously.

5. Making responsible choices : By understanding the ingredients used in cosmetic products, you can make more responsible choices for your health and the environment.

The Inci to avoid in your cosmetics, what is it?

It is important to note that cosmetic ingredients may be very diverse and their safety or hazard often depends on their concentration in the product. But also their combination with other ingredients.

However, some ingredients are of concern. Some people should avoid them because of allergic reactions or potentially harmful long-term effects.

Here is a list of INCI ingredients commonly cited as controversial, with their translation into French:

Parabens (parabens)

INCI: Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Parabens are conservatives. They are used to prevent bacterial contamination of cosmetic products. They are active in hormonal disturbances. They should be avoided because of concerns about their potential estrogenic effect.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Laurylated Sodium Sulfate)

INCI: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Parabens are preservatives. It is used to prevent bacterial contamination of cosmetic products. They have been associated with hormonal disturbances and are often avoided due to concerns about their potential estrogenic effect.

SLS is a surfactant commonly used in foaming products such as shower gels and shampoos. It can be irritating to skin and eyes, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Formaldehyde (Formaldehyde)

INCI: Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a potent preservative and has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Cancer Research Centre (IARC). It is prohibited in many countries for use in cosmetic products.

Phthalates (Phtalates) –

INCI: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Di-n-butyl Phthalate (DBP)

Phthalates are plasticizers used in softening products. It also fixes perfumes. Some phthalates have been associated with hormonal disturbances and reproductive effects.

BHA (Butylhydroxyanisole)

INCI: Butylhydroxyanisole (BHA)
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant. It is found in cosmetic products to prevent oxidation. It's a possible endocrine disruptor.

Triclosan

INCI: Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent. It is part of the composition of certain personal hygiene products. It has been linked to environmental problems and concerns regarding the development of antibiotic resistance.

Oxybenzone (Oxybenzone)

INCI: Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone)
L-oxybenzone is a solar filter. It is commonly used in sunscreen products. It's a hormonal disruptor. It causes potential damage to marine ecosystems.

Silicones

INCI: Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone
Silicones are common ingredients in hair care and makeup products. Although not necessarily harmful, some people prefer to avoid them because of their synthetic nature and potential impact on the environment.

It is important to remember that each person reacts differently to cosmetic ingredients, and what may be problematic for some people will not necessarily be problematic for others.

Before avoiding a specific ingredient, it is always wise to consult a health care professional or do a skin sensitivity test to avoid any adverse reactions.

Why you only need to buy products with Inci?

It is essential to purchase cosmetic products that include an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) for several important reasons:

• Transparency of ingredients : L It allows consumers to know precisely the ingredients in a given product.

• Avoid allergens and irritants : By reading the INCI, you can identify potentially allergenic or irritating ingredients for your skin.

• Understanding the benefits of products : L Recognizing beneficial active ingredients. you can choose products that meet your needs.

• Preventing controversial ingredients : L This gives you the opportunity to consciously avoid these ingredients and to favour safer alternatives.

• Facilitate comparison of products : With INCI you can easily compare the composition of different similar cosmetic products. You can choose the one that best suits your preferences and values, whether natural, organic or synthetic.

• Health and environmental protection : En comprenant les ingrédients utilisés dans les produits cosmétiques, vous êtes en mesure de prendre des décisions plus responsables pour votre santé et pour l’environnement. En choisissant des produits avec des ingrédients sûrs et respectueux de l’environnement, vous contribuez à préserver votre bien-être et à réduire l’impact négatif sur la planète.

• Conformité réglementaire : L’utilisation de l’INCI est obligatoire dans de nombreux pays pour l’étiquetage des produits cosmétiques. En achetant des produits avec un INCI clairement indiqué, vous vous assurez que le fabricant respecte les réglementations en matière d’étiquetage, ce qui renforce la confiance dans le produit.

Cet Inci, c’est quoi ?

N’hésitez pas à me demander la composition des savons ou des cosmétiques quand vous ne comprenez pas.

Vous pouvez aussi télécharger mon guide sur les inci et leur traduction.

Vous les trouvez facilement sur chaque fiche produit de la boutique en ligne.

En conclusion, Inci c’est quoi .

Un élément essentiel qui doit figurer sur tous les produits cosmétiques que vous achetez.

Maintenant, vous êtes incollable que » c’est quoi l’Inci « et pourquoi il est si important de le comprendre, vous pouvez être plus confiant dans vos choix de produits cosmétiques.

En lisant attentivement les étiquettes et en déchiffrant les codes INCI, vous pouvez prendre soin de votre peau et de vos cheveux de manière plus éclairée et responsable.

La prochaine fois que vous chercherez un nouveau produit cosmétique, n’oubliez pas de jeter un coup d’œil à l’INCI pour savoir exactement ce que vous achetez !