Introduction

This INCI Dictionary of Natural Ingredients lists many of the ingredients natural cosmetic manufacturers use.

Here you will find hundreds of beneficial herbs, plant extracts, vitamins, minerals and more, listed by their INCI (Latin-based) names, as they appear on most manufacturers’ labels. we’ve also included their more Common Names, so you can easily find all the ingredients you are familiar with.

This dictionary will be updated regularly. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible about what you’ll find in natural product store shelves. We hope this Dictionary helps you make an informed choice when buying personal care products for you and your family.

Why INCI?

A standardized method of cosmetic labeling worldwide, INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. Developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) in close collaboration with the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, INCI provides a uniform, science-based method of cosmetic ingredient labeling that increases consumer understanding, eliminates language barriers and helps international trade issues. The first U.S. version of INCI appeared in 1973. In 1993, the European Union adopted INCI as the regulatory standard, and in 2000 Japan and several other countries followed suit.