Have you ever wondered what all those Latin names in capital letters on the back of your cream or serum mean?
This is what's called the INCI list . It reveals the true composition of a cosmetic product… provided you know how to read it.
At Théobroma Beauty, we believe in total transparency . All our products display a clear, legible INCI list, free of controversial ingredients.
In this article, we teach you how to read this famous list like a pro.
What is the INCI list?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients .
It is the universal language of cosmetic ingredients , used on packaging throughout the European Union (and well beyond).
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The ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration
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The Latin names refer to the natural ingredients (e.g., Theobroma cacao seed butter )
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English or chemical names often refer to transformed or synthetic molecules (e.g., Phenoxyethanol )
👉 Consult the complete reference document on the subject:
COSMEBIO - Deciphering the INCI list
Why is it important to know how to read the INCI?
Because the marketing formula on the front of the bottle only tells part of the story.
The truth lies hidden in the INCI list. Knowing how to read it means:
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Identify the actual active ingredients present (and their real concentration)
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Avoid risky ingredients (endocrine disruptors, allergens, irritants, etc.)
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Distinguishing a truly natural product from mere "green" packaging
How to identify good and bad ingredients?
To search for:
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Latin name + "oil", "extract", "butter" → plant-based ingredients (natural or organic)
Ex.: Cocos nucifera oil (coconut oil), Theobroma cacao seed butter (cocoa butter) -
Aqua → simply water (often the first ingredient, therefore the majority)
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Sodium lauroyl glutamate, Caprylyl/Capryl glucoside → mild surfactants derived from sugars or amino acids
Things to avoid or monitor:
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Phenoxyethanol : a synthetic preservative, tolerated but controversial
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PEG, PPG : emulsifiers derived from petrochemicals
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Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, etc.) : polluting film-formers
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Fragrance : unspecified, may contain allergens
The INCI list at Theobroma Beauty: legible, clean, natural
On each Theobroma product page, you will find the complete and explained INCI list.
Example: our TH3+ Serum clearly displays natural active ingredients such as:
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Theobroma cacao extract
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Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
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Glycerin (vegetable)
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… without any silicone or toxic preservatives.
Tips for reading an INCI label correctly
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The higher an ingredient is on the list, the more concentrated it is.
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An ingredient present at less than 1% can appear in any order (often perfumes, extracts, colorants)
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"Parfum" or "Fragrance" : be careful if there are no specific details regarding natural or hypoallergenic properties.
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Ingredients in bold = allergens that must be declared (often of natural origin, but should be monitored)
INCI + COSMEBIO = a winning combination for transparency
The INCI list is mandatory, but not always legible or understandable .
This is why labels like COSMEBIO play a vital role. They guarantee that:
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The INCI ingredients are mostly natural or organic.
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No controversial substances are used
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Traceability is complete
In short: INCI is your best beauty ally
The next time you buy a skincare product, turn the bottle over and take a look at its INCI list.
It will tell you much more than marketing slogans!
At Théobroma Beauty, we help you choose effective and healthy skincare products, certified by COSMEBIO, and 100% transparent about their composition.
