We don't sell products or rank brands. Some links earn us a commission — how we earn money · how our guides work

What is Ingredient list order?

Ingredient list order (INCI)

Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration.

Short answer

Fragrance or essential oils hiding in the first half of a sensitive-skin product.

Ingredient list order when buying a skin care

Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration.

Why it matters: If a hero ingredient is near the end, it's only there for the label claim, not results.

Look for: Fragrance or essential oils hiding in the first half of a sensitive-skin product.

Full Skin Care buying guide

Related spec words

Browse all spec words →