K-Beauty Glossary
What is INCI?
Standard ingredient naming system
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the global standardized naming system for every ingredient in a cosmetic product. You'll see INCI names on every ingredient list — 'Sodium Hyaluronate' instead of 'hyaluronic acid,' 'Tocopherol' instead of 'vitamin E.' Reading an INCI is the single biggest skincare literacy skill: ingredients are listed by descending weight, and the first 5–7 tell you 80% of what a product actually is.