What is INCI?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients — a standardised naming system for cosmetic ingredients used globally. It uses Latin/scientific names for botanical ingredients and chemical names for synthetic ones. Every cosmetic sold in India (and most countries) must list ingredients in INCI format.
The Golden Rules of Reading Soap Labels
Rule 1: Ingredients are Listed by Concentration
The first ingredient is present in the highest amount; the last in the smallest. So if Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is ingredient #2, that product is primarily an SLS-based detergent — regardless of what the front label says.
Rule 2: "Natural" on the Front Means Nothing
There is no legal definition of "natural" in Indian cosmetics regulation. Any brand can write "natural" on its packaging regardless of what is actually inside. Always flip and read the ingredient list.
Rule 3: Shorter Lists are Usually Better
Genuine natural soaps have short, recognisable ingredient lists. A soap with 25+ INCI names is almost certainly synthetic-base with "natural" additions.
INCI Decoder: Good vs Bad Ingredients
| INCI Name | What it is | Good or Bad? |
|---|---|---|
| Cocos Nucifera Oil | Coconut oil | Good |
| Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | Olive oil | Good |
| Azadirachta Indica Extract | Neem extract | Good |
| Curcuma Longa Root Extract | Turmeric/Haldi extract | Good |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Aloe Vera | Good |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | SLS — synthetic detergent | Avoid |
| Methylparaben / Propylparaben | Synthetic preservatives | Avoid |
| Parfum / Fragrance | Undisclosed synthetic fragrance mix | Caution |
| PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate | Synthetic emulsifier | Caution |
| Triclosan | Antibacterial agent, banned in US | Avoid |
| Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Synthetic antioxidant preservative | Avoid |
| Crocus Sativus Extract | Saffron/Kesar extract | Good |
| Santalum Album Oil | Sandalwood/Chandan oil | Good |
| Avena Sativa Extract | Oat extract | Good |
| Carbomer | Synthetic thickener | Caution |
Glow Glitter's Ingredient Philosophy
We believe you should recognise every ingredient in your soap. That's why our labels carry short, honest INCI lists featuring real botanicals — saffron, turmeric, sandalwood, neem, aloe vera, activated charcoal — and nothing you'd need a chemistry degree to identify.
Read more: 8 Chemical Soap Side Effects You Should Know