How to Read a Korean Skincare INCI List
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardized naming system used on cosmetic labels worldwide, including Korean products. Learning to read it helps you understand what is actually in a product.
Ingredients Are Listed by Quantity
Ingredients are generally listed in descending order of concentration, so the items near the top make up most of the formula. A common exception is that ingredients present at low concentrations (often cited as 1% or less) may be listed in any order, which is why actives like retinol or certain peptides may appear lower down even when they are doing important work. Water (Aqua) is usually the first ingredient in water-based products.
Spotting Actives and Their Forms
INCI uses standardized names, so vitamin C may appear as Ascorbic Acid or a derivative like Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (often listed as Sodium Hyaluronate) appear by their INCI names. Botanical extracts use Latin plant names. Knowing these names helps you compare products and avoid duplicating the same active.
Korean-Specific Notes
Korean products sold internationally typically carry INCI labels, sometimes alongside Korean ingredient names. Korean cosmetics are regulated domestically by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). If you are sensitive, scan for fragrance (Parfum/Fragrance) and known irritants, and patch-test. Remember that ingredient order tells you about quantity, not effectiveness, since some actives work at low concentrations.
- Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration
- Ingredients at low concentrations (often around 1% or less) can be listed in any order
- INCI uses standardized names, e.g. Sodium Hyaluronate for a hyaluronic acid form
- Korean cosmetics are regulated domestically by the MFDS
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General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.