CASCINAThe INCI is not an automatic report card: it is a regulated list that helps identify the ingredients. To interpret it you need to consider order, function, complete formula and intended use.
Where is it and how is it ordered
The “Ingredients” list is mandatory on the packaging. The ingredients are indicated with recognized common names; the order helps to understand the general structure of the formula, but does not reveal the exact percentages.
Under certain concentrations the order may not be rigidly decreasing. For this reason, it is not correct to transform the position of an ingredient into a precise measure of its effectiveness.
Recognizing families
Aqua often indicates the aqueous phase; glycerin is a humectant; oils, waxes and emulsifiers build texture and comfort; preservatives protect the formula; parfum and aromatic substances concern the scent.
Snail slime may appear with the name expected for the raw material. If you are looking for an ingredient due to sensitivity or allergy, check the exact name and don't just rely on the front of the package.
CosIng: useful, but it's not a traffic light
The European Commission makes CosIng available to consult names and functions. The presence of a name in the database, however, does not alone mean that any use or concentration is authorized.
The judgment on the finished product depends on the regulation, the safety assessment and the formula. Apps that divide ingredients into “good” and “bad” often lose this context.
Read according to your skin
A short formula is not automatically better, and “natural” does not mean free of possible reactions. Research the product's instructions, warnings and function, then introduce it gradually.
If you know you are sensitive to a substance, keep the INCI name and compare it to the list. For clinical doubts or recurrent reactions, a healthcare professional is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does INCI mean that the ingredients are all natural?
No. INCI is a common nomenclature, not a certification of naturalness.
Is the first ingredient always the most abundant?
In general, the list follows a decreasing order, with specific rules for ingredients with low concentrations and colorings.
CosIng says whether a product is Are you sure?
No. Offers information on names and functions; compliance depends on regulation and evaluation of the finished product.
Is a short list better?
Not necessarily. What matters is the formula, the function and the compatibility with your skin.
Sources and method: this guide combines the production experience documented on the Cascina Bruno website with European Commission: CosIng database and INCI nomenclature. Text published on 19 February 2026; last revised 25 August 2026.