INCI Database
Find the right INCI name for your raw materials — search by common name, check EU regulation status, identify allergens.
Search 24,000+ CosIng entries — in English or German
What are INCI names?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a globally standardized system for naming cosmetic ingredients, maintained by the European Commission.
The official source is the CosIng database (Cosmetic Ingredient Database) of the EU Commission. Our INCI database is based on this data and adds a convenient search function.
Why use an INCI database?
Search by common name
Search with common names like 'Coconut Oil' or 'Shea Butter' — we automatically translate to the INCI name.
Regulation status
Instantly see whether a substance is allowed, restricted or prohibited — including annex references.
Allergen detection
Declarable allergens and CMR substances are automatically flagged.
Popular INCI names
The most common raw materials in natural cosmetics and their INCI names:
| Common Name | INCI Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | COCOS NUCIFERA OIL | Emollient |
| Shea Butter | BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER | Emollient |
| Beeswax | CERA ALBA | Emulsifier |
| Jojoba Oil | SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL | Emollient |
| Sweet Almond Oil | PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL | Emollient |
| Cocoa Butter | THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTTER | Emollient |
| Castor Oil | RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL | Emollient |
| Panthenol | PANTHENOL | Skin conditioning |
| Citric Acid | CITRIC ACID | pH adjuster |
| Vitamin E | TOCOPHEROL | Antioxidant |
Frequently asked questions about the INCI database
What are INCI names?
INCI names are standardized designations for cosmetic ingredients. They are uniform worldwide and mandatory on every cosmetic product in the EU.
Where does the data come from?
The data comes from the CosIng database of the European Commission — the official source for all permitted, restricted and prohibited cosmetic ingredients in the EU.
Can I search in German?
Yes! The INCIkit database automatically translates over 50 German terms into INCI equivalents. Search for example for 'Kokosöl', 'Sheabutter' or 'Zitronensäure'.
What do the regulation statuses mean?
Allowed: Can be used without restrictions. Restricted: May only be used under certain conditions (e.g. maximum concentration). Prohibited: Must not be used in cosmetics.
Is the INCI search free?
Yes, the INCI search is free and available without registration. For full raw material management with LOT tracking, you need an INCIkit account.
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More than just a lookup
With INCIkit you manage raw materials, create INCI lists, generate labels and document batches — all in one place.