How to read cosmetic ingredient labels (INCI)
Updated 2026-10-15 · Based on 1750 screened products
- Order matters. Under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (Art. 19), ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; those under 1% may follow in any order.
- Standard names. INCI names are used across the EU and US, so "aqua" is water and "parfum" is fragrance.
- Colour index numbers. Pigments appear as CI numbers: CI 77266 = carbon black, CI 77891 = titanium dioxide, CI 77499 = black iron oxide, CI 77718 = talc.
- "May contain" (+/-). Shade ranges list every pigment used across shades, so a shade may not actually contain all of them.
- Synonyms. One substance can have several names, e.g. BHA = butylated hydroxyanisole; Lilial = butylphenyl methylpropional.
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Use the search box above. Every product page highlights watchlist matches inside the full ingredient list and links to the source. Start with our watchlist or makeup ingredients to avoid.
Hazard is not risk. An IARC classification says whether a substance can cause cancer under some conditions (e.g. titanium dioxide is classified for inhaled powder), not that a cosmetic containing it is harmful at normal use. EU restrictions set use limits. This page is informational, not medical advice; talk to a dermatologist about your own skin.