Ingredient Transparency: How to Read a Skincare INCI List

An INCI list is the standardised ingredient list on every skincare product, written in descending order of concentration. Reading it is the single best way to know what you are putting on your skin. Look at the first few ingredients, since they make up most of the formula, watch for added fragrance, and favour brands that publish a full INCI list on every product page. LevAri does this for every formula.

What INCI means

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It gives every ingredient a consistent name, so Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil always means sweet almond oil, no matter the brand or country. Ingredients are listed from most to least, so the top of the list matters most.

How to read a list quickly

• Scan the first five ingredients, they define the formula.
• Look for Fragrance or Parfum, a common trigger for sensitive skin.
• Recognise plant oils and butters by their botanical names.
• A short list usually means fewer potential triggers.

Why transparency matters

If a brand hides its full ingredient list, you cannot make an informed choice. LevAri publishes a complete INCI list on every product page so sensitive-skin shoppers can check for triggers before they buy.

LevAri formulas to consider

• Tallow Face & Body Oil, see its full INCI list on the product page.
• Active Clay Mask, full INCI list published under Details.

Frequently asked

What is an INCI list?
It is the standardised list of cosmetic ingredients on a product, written in descending order of concentration, so the first ingredients make up most of the formula.

How do I spot fragrance in an ingredient list?
Look for the words Fragrance or Parfum. These indicate added scent, which is a common trigger for sensitive and reactive skin.