Start with ingredient order
In the EU, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight when added. Ingredients below 1% may be listed in any order after ingredients above that threshold in the formula.
Search and understand cosmetic ingredients
Ingredient Search
Enter an ingredient name (INCI) to review its available function, category, sources and references:
Most Common INCI
Allergen Ingredients
Colorant Ingredients
Fragrance Ingredients
Guide - How to use the INCI Archive
Ingredient Search
Use the INCI database to search an ingredient by its INCI name and review available information on identity, function, category and references.
Search Methods
There are two main search methods available:
- Free Search: Enter an INCI name to view information in the database. Results are informational and should be interpreted in the context of the finished product.
- Most Common INCI: View a list of the most commonly used INCI ingredients in cosmetics.
- Allergens: Browse substances listed in the allergen section and explore relevant labelling requirements or known sensitisation information. An information list does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
- Colorants and Fragrances: Browse lists of colorants and fragrances used in cosmetics.
How to search
To perform a search, go to the Ingredient Search section and enter the ingredient name.
- Go to the Ingredient Search section and enter the ingredient name (e.g., AQUA).
- If you have a PROFESSIONAL or PRIVATE plan, the search is enabled. Otherwise, you will need to subscribe to a plan to activate this feature.
- Click the search button and wait for results. If the ingredient exists in our archive, we will show detailed information about it.
Search results
When you perform a search, you will receive ingredient information in various formats.
- Usage and Function: Find out what the ingredient is used for (e.g., humectant, preservative, etc.).
- Safety: Review available safety information, references and regulatory conditions. Finished-product safety also depends on concentration, formulation, exposure and intended use.
- Allergens: Browse substances listed in the allergen section and explore relevant labelling requirements or known sensitisation information. An information list does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
Most common ingredients
If you do not have a specific ingredient in mind, browse commonly used ingredients and open their information records.
Allergens
Check whether the ingredient appears among substances flagged as allergens or subject to specific indications, when that data is available.
Colorants and Fragrances
Explore colourants, CI names and fragrance-related substances. Sensitivities and reactions are individual and may require advice from a healthcare professional.
User plan restrictions
If you have a PROFESSIONAL or PRIVATE plan, you can access all features without limitations. Users without an active plan will not have access to free search but can still view the most common ingredients.
Reminder
INCI is useful for understanding the declared composition of a cosmetic. Use it together with product instructions, regulatory sources and qualified professional advice when needed.
How to subscribe to a plan
If you don’t have an active plan, you can easily subscribe to a PRIVATE or PROFESSIONAL plan to access all features, including unlimited ingredient search.
What is a cosmetic INCI list?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. In the European Union, cosmetic labels must include a list of ingredients preceded by the term “ingredients”, using the names provided by the rules or a recognised nomenclature where required.
The INCI4ME database makes those technical names easier to explore. It helps users navigate names, functions and regulatory references without replacing the original label or the safety assessment of the finished product.
How to read an INCI list
Three practical rules help you interpret the order and names shown on a cosmetic label.
Recognise parfum, CI and nano
Perfume and aromatic compositions may appear as “parfum” or “aroma”; colourants may use CI nomenclature and nanomaterials must be identified with “nano” in brackets.
Consider context, not just the name
An ingredient’s presence alone is not enough to determine cosmetic safety or suitability: concentration, formulation, intended use, exposure and regulatory conditions also matter.
What you can search in the INCI database
Use categories as a starting point, then open an individual ingredient record for the details available.
Allergens
Identify substances flagged as allergens or linked to specific labelling requirements when the information is available.
Colorants
Explore colourant ingredients and CI names to understand their role and the references held in the database.
Fragrances
Search fragrance-related substances and distinguish the generic “parfum” entry from ingredients declared individually.
Restrictions
Check for references to Annexes and conditions of use under EU cosmetics legislation.
INCI4ME is an information tool. CosIng itself is informative and does not by itself authorise a substance for cosmetic use: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its Annexes determine legal status. For allergies, medical conditions or reactions, consult a healthcare professional.
Important note: an INCI list helps explain the declared composition but cannot by itself predict individual reactions or establish the safety of the finished product. Seek healthcare advice for allergies or reactions.
In the European Union, cosmetic products must display a list of ingredients according to the rules in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients and is a nomenclature used to identify many cosmetic ingredients consistently.
INCI nomenclature is widely used internationally, but labelling requirements can vary by market. Compliance should always be checked against the rules applicable in the country of sale.
Reading the ingredient list helps you understand the declared composition and research individual INCI names.
People with known allergies or sensitivities can use the list to spot already-known substances, alongside manufacturer instructions and advice from a healthcare professional.
In the EU, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight at the time they are incorporated into the cosmetic.
Ingredients present below 1% may be listed in any order after ingredients present above that threshold in the formula.
Botanical names, CI colourant nomenclature and terms such as PARFUM, AROMA or “nano” follow specific naming conventions used by the applicable rules.
Examples:
- Water = AQUA
- Cannabis seed extract = CANNABIS SATIVA SEED EXTRACT
- Olive oil = OLEA EUROPEA FRUIT OIL
- Shea butter = BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER
- Hydrogenated castor oil = HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
- Perfume = PARFUM
An ingredient’s position gives a qualitative indication of order but does not reveal its exact percentage.
Do not treat a position after PARFUM as proof that an ingredient is absent or ineffective: below 1% the order may vary and performance also depends on formulation and concentration.
Remember:
- The INCI list describes the declared composition, not the overall commercial quality of the product.
- Compliance and safety assessment require intended use, the complete formulation and the checks required by applicable law.
Avoid conclusions based on a single ingredient or list position alone. Use INCI4ME to navigate the data and consult official sources or qualified professionals when needed.
