# How to read an INCI list on natural skincare

> The ingredient list on a skincare product is called INCI and follows the same rules worldwide. Learn to read the order, the Latin plant names, the fragrance allergens and "free from" labelling — so you can see what is actually in the jar.

**Källa:** https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard/

**Kategori:** kannavalley · **Publicerad:** 2026-06-13 · **Uppdaterad:** 2026-07-12

---

**Short answer:** INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the global, standardised system for naming ingredients in cosmetics. Ingredients are listed in **descending quantity** down to 1%, after that in any order. Plants are given by their Latin name, and the most common fragrance allergens must be declared separately.

## 1. The order tells you a lot

Ingredients are listed by quantity, largest first — down to 1%. What comes first (often *Aqua*/water or a base oil) is what there is most of. Active ingredients are often used in low concentrations and therefore appear further down, which is entirely normal.

## 2. Latin plant names

All plant ingredients are given in Latin, the same worldwide. Examples:

- **Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil** — hemp seed oil (see [what does it mean?](/en/kunskap/cannabis-sativa-seed-oil-inci))

- **Butyrospermum Parkii** — shea butter

- **Olea Europaea** — olive oil

- **Calendula Officinalis** — [marigold](/en/kunskap/vad-ar-calendula-ringblomma-i-hudvard)

- **Arnica Montana** — [arnica](/en/kunskap/vad-ar-arnika-i-hudvard)

## 3. "Parfum" and fragrance allergens

Fragrances are listed as *Parfum*. The 26 most common allergenic fragrance compounds (e.g. *Linalool*, *Limonene*, *Citral*) must additionally be listed separately when they exceed a certain level. Their presence does not mean the product is "dangerous" — it is transparency that helps allergy-prone people choose well.

## 4. Cannabinoids — how to tell the difference

"Seed" in a hemp name = from the seed = free of cannabinoids. **Cannabidiol (CBD)** is the isolated cannabinoid. Hemp seed oil contains neither CBD nor THC. More: [does CBD skincare contain THC?](/en/kunskap/innehaller-cbd-hudvard-thc)

## 5. "Free from" claims

Labelling like "free from …" is regulated in the EU and may not denigrate legal ingredients or be misleading. Read it with common sense — a long INCI list is not worse than a short one; it depends on what is on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does INCI mean?

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients — the global standard system for ingredient names, mandatory in the EU.

### In what order are the ingredients listed?

In descending quantity down to 1%, after that in any order.

### Is a short INCI list better?

Not necessarily. What matters is which ingredients are present and in what amount, not the number.

### Why are fragrances listed as "Parfum" and sometimes separate names?

Parfum is the umbrella name; the 26 most common allergens are listed separately above a certain level, for transparency.

### Why Latin names for the plants?

So the name is unambiguous and the same worldwide, regardless of language.

## Sources

- [CosIng — the EU database of cosmetic ingredients](https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/)

- [Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on cosmetic products — EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223)

- [Regulation (EU) 655/2013 on cosmetic claims — EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013R0655)

- [Swedish Medical Products Agency — Cosmetics](https://www.lakemedelsverket.se/en/cosmetics)


---

*Helsama OÜ — högkvalitativa hampaprodukter. https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard/*