International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients

The relationship between a CAS Registry Number and an INCI name is not always one-to-one. In some cases, more than one INCI name may have the same CAS number, or more than one CAS number may apply to an INCI name. For example, the CAS number 1245638-61-2 has the CA Index Name of 2-Propenoic acid, reaction products with pentaerythritol. This CAS number can accurately be associated with two INCI names: Pentaerythrityl Tetraacrylate and Pentaerythrityl Triacrylate. Alternatively, the INCI name, Glucaric Acid can be associated with two CAS numbers: 87-73-0 which has the CA Index Name of D-Glucaric acid, and 25525-21-7, which has the CA Index Name of DL-Glucaric acid. Both of these examples are accurate associations between CAS and INCI.[3]

Here is a table of several common names and their corresponding INCI names.[4]

* Some common names and INCI names are the same name.

In the U.S., under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, certain accurate information is a requirement to appear on labels of cosmetic products.[6] In Canada, the regulatory guideline is the Cosmetic Regulations.[7] Ingredient names must comply by law with EU requirements by using INCI names.[8]

The cosmetic regulation laws are enforceable for important consumer safety. For example, the ingredients are listed on the ingredient declaration for the purchaser to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to an ingredient the user has had an allergy to before. INCI names are mandated on the ingredient statement of every consumer personal care product. The INCI system allows the consumer to identify the ingredient content. In the U.S., true soaps (as defined by the FDA) are specifically exempted from INCI labeling requirements as cosmetics per FDA regulation.[9]

• Ingredients of cosmetics
• Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA)
• Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
• List of cosmetic ingredients

• European Commission: Cosmetic Ingredients Database
• FDA: Labeling Claims
• A to Z INCI Database
• FDA: Cosmetic Labeling Guide