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INCI

INCI Name Lookup for Canadian Cosmetic Makers

How INCI naming works in Canada, why it matters for your label and CNF, and how to look up the correct INCI name for any cosmetic ingredient.

Last reviewed April 27, 2026

INCI names sit at the heart of cosmetic labels and Canadian cosmetic notifications. This guide explains what INCI naming is, why it matters in Canada, and how to look up the right name before drafting a label or filing a CNF.

What an INCI name is

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. It is a globally recognized naming system used on cosmetic ingredient lists. INCI names are usually in Latin or anglicized scientific form and stay consistent across countries.

For example, "coconut oil" on a marketing panel becomes "Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil" in the INCI list, and "vitamin E" becomes "Tocopherol".

Why INCI naming matters in Canada

Canadian cosmetic labels and the Cosmetic Notification Form both rely on INCI names. Mixing common names with INCI names is one of the most common reasons label drafts and CNF entries need to be revised. Getting the INCI name right early avoids reprinting packaging and resubmitting notifications.

  • Required for the cosmetic ingredient list on the label
  • Used inside the Health Canada Cosmetic Notification Form
  • Helps reviewers and customers identify the actual substance
  • Consistent across markets, which simplifies sourcing and translation

How to look up an INCI name

FormulaNorth's ingredient database lets you search by common name or INCI name and see related details — function, hotlist status, and supplier availability — in one place. If an ingredient is not yet in the database, ask your supplier for the official INCI designation on their Certificate of Analysis or product spec sheet.

Common INCI lookup mistakes

Not every botanical extract has the same INCI name across suppliers. Watch for spelling variations, missing parenthetical common names, and ingredients that are blends (where each component needs its own INCI name). Fragrance components and natural fragrance allergens also have their own naming rules that are easy to miss.

  • Treat blends as multiple ingredients, not one
  • Use the supplier-provided INCI as a starting point, then verify
  • Watch for parenthetical common names (e.g., (Coconut) Oil)
  • Disclose fragrance allergens by INCI when above the threshold

Regulatory disclaimer

FormulaNorth helps organize cosmetic formulation, label, costing, and CNF preparation information. It is not legal or regulatory advice and does not replace Health Canada guidance, professional regulatory review, or the maker's responsibility to verify product compliance before sale.

Frequently asked questions

Is INCI naming required on Canadian cosmetic labels?

Yes. Cosmetic ingredient lists on Canadian labels are expected to use INCI names, listed in descending order of concentration for ingredients above one percent.

Where do INCI names come from?

INCI names are assigned by the Personal Care Products Council and adopted internationally. Suppliers, regulators, and ingredient databases use the same INCI names so the substance is identified consistently.

Can I make up my own INCI name if I cannot find one?

No. If you cannot find an INCI name for an ingredient, contact your supplier for the official designation. Custom or invented names will not be accepted on a Canadian label.

Do I list common names alongside INCI?

Some INCI names include a parenthetical common name (for example, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil). Outside of that convention, the cosmetic ingredient list itself uses INCI names.

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INCI Name Lookup for Canadian Cosmetic Makers | FormulaNorth