Free INCI Decoder: Check Your Cosmetic Ingredients Instantly
Unsure about what’s really in your beauty products?
Use our free online cosmetic ingredient checker to analyze any INCI list in seconds. Unlike commercial apps, our independent INCI decoder focuses strictly on identifying controversial ingredients and exposing greenwashing, without bias or sponsored content. Simply enter the ingredient list or single ingredient from your product label below to get an immediate, transparent analysis. Our tool highlights risky substances, explains their potential impact on your health and the environment, and helps you make truly informed choices. Whether you are checking a shampoo, cream, or makeup item, gain the clarity you need to avoid harmful additives and select safer cosmetics.
How to use this tool:
1. Copy the ingredient list (INCI) from your product packaging.
2. Paste it into the search box below.
3. Review the detailed breakdown of controversial vs. safe ingredients.
4. Learn why certain substances are flagged and find safer alternatives.
- Single ingredients : type only the INCI’s first letters
- INCIs starting with CI +numbers (colorants): type CI, followed by the first number (without space in between).
Further instructions:
- The research also gives a brief instruction about the ingredient’s function (skin conditionner, preservative, etc) and the ingredient’s nature & origin.
What is the basis for the ingredient assessment system?
- For its assessment of ingredients, the Truth about Cosmetics website relies on a range of official and independent scientific sources, including the following listed below.
- European cosmetics regulations (Regulation EC 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council) have been used as the overall basis for the assessment of ingredients. However, the site offers an assessment system that may differ from official European sources. The assessments proposed by the site do not replace official data, but are supported by various scientific studies or official international sources. Some ingredients authorised by European regulations are strongly criticised by numerous international scientific sources for being (potentially or proven) harmful to human health, animal health or the health of the planet. Several decades can pass between these sound scientific warnings and an official ban at European level, for example, which is why they remain relevant.
- Readers and consumers remain free to follow any recommendations or interpretations of these assessments.
- The components are updated and re-evaluated regularly, throughout the year.
SOURCES:
Official agencies and opinions in France
- ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail),
- ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products)
- CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research)
Official agencies and opinions in Europe
- Opinions of the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) FINAL OPINION
- ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)
And various official and independent sources at international level
- BFR (Bundesinstituts für Risikobewertung)
- IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)
- SIN LIST (Substitute It Now-CHEMsEC)
As well as independent scientific studies and resources (PUBMED/ SKIN DEEP)
Any questions ? Go to the FAQ page
Our site relies on independent experts to provide transparent information on cosmetics.
Search by cosmetic ingredient:
⬇️ 1 ingredient = 1 search
By INCI list ⬇️
Your product composition:
| Note | INCI | Origin | Function | Del. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | No INCI selected yet. | - |
Click on to remove an ingredient from your product's composition
Notations
very good
*INCI = International Nomenclature Cosmetics Ingrédients
