Makeup & Cosmetics Ingredient Lookup • INCI
Paste cosmetic ingredient lists or search INCI names to check safety ratings, comedogenic acne scales, skin barrier benefits, and EU/FDA regulatory status.
🧪 Formulation Analyzer & Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list from your skincare, makeup, or haircare packaging to inspect every ingredient in descending concentration order.
Ingredient Breakdown
📚 Curated INCI Ingredient Reference Directory
Explore safety profiles, scientific mechanisms, and comedogenic ratings for common cosmetic ingredients.
Niacinamide
Reduces sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, improves skin barrier function and fades hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Binds up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water, plumping skin and restoring surface hydration.
Salicylic Acid
Lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores, dissolves sebum buildup, and reduces comedones.
Retinol
Stimulates cellular turnover, accelerates collagen synthesis, reduces fine lines, and smooths texture.
Dimethicone
Forms a breathable, silky barrier that seals in hydration without clogging pores, smoothing skin texture.
Glycerin
Gold-standard natural humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and strengthens barrier lipids.
Ascorbic Acid
Potent free radical scavenger that inhibits tyrosinase for dark spot reduction and boosts collagen production.
Ceramide NP
Essential intercellular lipid identical to human skin components that reinforces moisture barrier integrity.
Zinc Oxide
Broad-spectrum physical sun protection reflecting UVA and UVB rays; exhibits natural skin-soothing properties.
Titanium Dioxide
Inert inorganic mineral providing excellent UVB and short UVA defense with minimal risk of skin sensitization.
Glycolic Acid
Smallest molecular size AHA that efficiently dissolves surface desmosome bonds to exfoliate dead keratinocytes.
Squalane
Hydrogenated stable form of skin squalene; non-greasy, fast-absorbing oil that softens and locks in hydration.
Centella Asiatica
Contains active triterpenoids (madecassoside, asiaticoside) that calm inflammation and speed wound healing.
Phenoxyethanol
Highly effective microbial preservative preventing bacterial, fungal, and yeast contamination in water-based formulas.
Fragrance / Parfum
Imparts appealing scent and masks raw ingredient odors.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Powerful cleansing surfactant that creates rich lather and strips heavy oils.
Methylparaben
Broadly protective preservative preventing fungal growth in cosmetic emulsions.
Isopropyl Myristate
Enhances skin absorption of active compounds, gives lightweight velvety slip.
Bakuchiol
Plant-derived meroterpene that stimulates collagen-1 synthesis and cellular turnover without classic retinoid dermatitis.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Releases oxygen inside follicular units, destroying anaerobic Cutibacterium acnes bacteria without antibiotic resistance risk.
📜 How to Read Cosmetics Ingredient Labels
The 1% Concentration Rule
Under US FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulations (EC No 1223/2009), ingredients present at concentrations above 1% must be listed in strict descending order of weight. Ingredients present at or below 1% may be listed in any order after the >1% ingredients.
Comedogenic Scale (0 to 5)
0 = Will not clog pores; 1 = Very low; 2 = Low (suitable for most acne-prone individuals); 3 = Moderate (caution if oily); 4 = High risk of clogging pores; 5 = High likelihood of inducing microcomedones (e.g., Isopropyl Myristate, Wheat Germ Oil).
INCI International Nomenclature
INCI provides standardized botanical (Latin) and chemical names. For example, 'Water' is listed as 'Aqua', 'Shea Butter' as 'Butyrospermum Parkii', and 'Vitamin E' as 'Tocopherol'.
Preservative Systems
Water-containing (aqueous) products require broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservatives (such as Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, or Sodium Benzoate) to prevent deadly bacterial and fungal contamination.
About this tool
How to use it
- Paste any cosmetic, skincare, or haircare ingredient list directly into the Formulation Analyzer to automatically decode each compound.
- Review the summary metrics: detected ingredients count, low hazard count, moderate hazard count, and maximum comedogenic score.
- Browse the INCI Ingredient Library tab to filter individual cosmetics ingredients by safety hazard rating (1-10) or comedogenic scale (0-5).
- Refer to the Safety & INCI Guide to learn about the 1% concentration rule, botanical naming conventions, and cosmetic preservative systems.
Why it matters
Cosmetic ingredient labels can be confusing due to complex Latin INCI nomenclature and proprietary chemical names. Consumers need transparent, accessible information to avoid comedogenic pore-clogging substances, severe fragrance allergens, and harsh surfactants while identifying beneficial active ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
When to use it
Use this tool before purchasing new makeup or skincare products, checking cross-reactivity with existing skin conditions (like acne or rosacea), or verifying that an acne-prone regimen is strictly non-comedogenic.
Common questions
What does a comedogenic rating mean?
The comedogenic scale ranks ingredients from 0 to 5 based on their propensity to clog pores and trigger acne. Ratings 0 to 2 are generally safe for acne-prone skin, while 3 to 5 have higher potential to cause microcomedones.
How does the 1% concentration rule work on cosmetic packaging?
Ingredients present above 1% concentration must be listed in descending order by weight. Once concentrations drop below 1%, brands may list those ingredients in any order.
Why are preservatives like phenoxyethanol necessary?
Any product containing water (Aqua) is susceptible to mold, bacteria, and yeast growth within days. Preservatives ensure products remain microbiologically safe throughout their shelf life.
What does INCI stand for?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, a standardized system of names established by the Personal Care Products Council for cosmetic labeling worldwide.